Romeo and Juliet act 2

Romeo’s old love for Rosaline is fading, and a new affection is taking its place. The beauty he once admired in Rosaline now seems less compared to Juliet’s. Romeo is now loved in return, both he and Juliet captivated by each other’s looks. However, Romeo must express his love to someone he’s supposed to hate, and Juliet must take love’s sweet bait from a dangerous trap. Since he’s considered an enemy, Romeo can’t openly declare his love, and Juliet has even fewer opportunities to meet him. But their passion gives them strength, and time provides opportunities to meet, softening their extreme difficulties with extreme sweetness.

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Act 2, Scene 1

Romeo can’t leave the Capulet’s house because he’s so drawn to Juliet. He climbs the wall into the orchard to find her. Meanwhile, Benvolio and Mercutio look for him. Mercutio tries to lure Romeo out by mocking his infatuation with Rosaline, but they eventually give up and leave. 


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Act 2, Scene 2 – The Balcony Scene

Romeo stands below Juliet’s balcony, marveling at her beauty. Juliet, unaware of Romeo’s presence, speaks about her love for him and wishes he weren’t a Montague. Romeo reveals himself, and they profess their love for each other. They discuss the dangers of their families’ feud but decide to marry. Juliet promises to send a messenger to Romeo the next day to arrange the details. 


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Act 2, Scene 3

Friar Lawrence is gathering herbs and reflects on how both good and evil exist in nature and people. Romeo arrives and tells the friar about his love for Juliet and their desire to marry. Friar Lawrence is surprised by Romeo’s sudden shift from Rosaline to Juliet but agrees to marry them, hoping it will end the feud between their families.

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Act 2, Scene 4

Benvolio and Mercutio discuss Tybalt’s challenge to Romeo. Mercutio mocks Tybalt’s dueling style. Romeo joins them, and he and Mercutio engage in witty banter. The Nurse arrives to speak with Romeo. Mercutio teases her, but she eventually delivers Juliet’s message. Romeo tells the Nurse to inform Juliet to meet him at Friar Lawrence’s cell that afternoon for their wedding.

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Act 2, Scene 5

Juliet waits anxiously for the Nurse to return with news from Romeo. When the Nurse arrives, she delays delivering the message, complaining about her aches. Eventually, she tells Juliet to go to Friar Lawrence’s cell, where Romeo is waiting to marry her.

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Act 2, Scene 6

At Friar Lawrence’s cell, Romeo and the friar await Juliet’s arrival. Romeo expresses his joy and readiness to face any sorrow that may come. Juliet arrives, and they express their love for each other. Friar Lawrence warns them to love moderately, as intense