24 Questions
Why do you think Act 2 opens with Romeo replying to Benvolio from Act 1? What does this do dramatically?
It creates a sense of continuity and urgency in the narrative.
Why does Romeo chase after Juliet by climbing the orchard wall instead of waiting to meet her at another time?
Romeo is driven by his intense passion and impatience.
What does the impatience of the younger characters in Act 2 tell us about their decision making?
It shows that their decisions are often rash and driven by emotions rather than reason.
How does the impatience of Romeo, Juliet, and Mercutio affect the plot of Act 2?
Their impatience leads to hasty actions and decisions that complicate their situations.
How willing are the Friar and the Nurse to help Romeo and Juliet?
Both the Friar and the Nurse are quite willing to help them.
Why do the Friar and the Nurse decide to help Romeo and Juliet get married?
They believe their union might end the feud between their families.
How do the Friar and the Nurse feel about Romeo and Juliet's match?
They have reservations but ultimately support the match.
What dramatic purpose does the division of Act 1 and Act 2 serve in the play?
It highlights a shift in the narrative focus and builds dramatic tension.
What does Mercutio mean when he calls Tybalt 'the courageous captain of compliments'?
Mercutio is mocking Tybalt's formal and somewhat affected manners and style in dueling.
How does Romeo's mood change in Act 2, Scene 4 compared to earlier scenes?
Romeo is in a much better mood and is sociable, no longer lamenting over his unrequited love.
What is the significance of the Nurse's entrance in Act 2, Scene 4?
The Nurse's entrance is significant as it initiates the plan for Romeo and Juliet's secret marriage.
Why is Juliet impatient in Act 2, Scene 5?
Juliet is impatient because she is eagerly awaiting the Nurse's return with news about Romeo's proposal.
What motivates Romeo to climb over the orchard wall into the Capulets' garden in Act 2, Scene 1?
Romeo climbs over the orchard wall to see Juliet.
What does the Nurse's comment 'wanton blood up in your cheeks' imply about Juliet's reaction?
The comment implies that Juliet is blushing and excited by the news of her upcoming marriage.
How do Mercutio and Benvolio react when they cannot find Romeo in Act 2, Scene 1?
They decide to give up searching for him.
What metaphor does Romeo use to describe Juliet when he first sees her at her window in Act 2, Scene 2?
Romeo describes Juliet as the sun.
What blessing does Friar Laurence give to Romeo and Juliet in Act 2, Scene 6?
Friar Laurence blesses their union by saying, 'So smile the heavens upon this holy act'.
Why do Romeo and Juliet hasten the decision to meet the next day and get married in Act 2, Scene 2?
They are hurried by the Nurse calling Juliet from inside.
What does Friar Laurence's line 'Till holy church incorporate two in one' signify?
It signifies the religious union of Romeo and Juliet through marriage, making them one in the eyes of the church.
What is Friar Laurence doing when Romeo finds him in Act 2, Scene 3?
He is collecting herbs and plants.
How is the theme of secrecy portrayed in Act 2, Scene 6?
The theme of secrecy is portrayed through Romeo and Juliet's secret meeting and marriage at Friar Laurence's cell.
Why is Friar Laurence initially dismissive of Romeo's request to marry Juliet in Act 2, Scene 3?
He thinks Romeo has quickly forgotten his love for Rosaline.
What reason does Friar Laurence give for agreeing to marry Romeo and Juliet in Act 2, Scene 3?
He hopes it will help end the feud between their families.
What is the significance of Juliet asking Romeo for 'The exchange of thy love's faithful vow for mine' in Act 2, Scene 2?
It signifies their mutual declaration of love and intent to marry.
Study Notes
Act 2 Overview
- Act 2 is crucial in the play as it's where Romeo and Juliet fall in love and get married with the help of Friar Laurence and the Nurse.
- The impatience of young characters like Romeo, Juliet, and Mercutio leads to hasty decisions that affect the plot.
Scene 4
- Mercutio and Benvolio search for Romeo, who hasn't returned home, and reveal that Tybalt has challenged Romeo to a duel.
- Mercutio describes Tybalt as "the courageous captain of compliments" and a skilled swordsman.
- Romeo arrives, and the friends tease each other about his renewed spirits.
- The Nurse enters, and Romeo asks her to pass on a message to Juliet about meeting Friar Laurence for their secret marriage.
Scene 5
- Juliet waits for the Nurse to return with news about Romeo's proposal and becomes irritated by the Nurse's delay in sharing the news.
- The Nurse tells Juliet to visit Friar Laurence to get married, remarking on the visible signs of Juliet's excitement.
Scene 6
- Romeo and Juliet meet secretly at Friar Laurence's cell, where the Friar blesses their union and prepares them for a quick marriage.
Act 2 Scene 1
- Romeo sneaks into the Capulets' garden by climbing over the orchard wall.
- Mercutio and Benvolio search for Romeo but give up when he doesn't respond.
Act 2 Scene 2
- Juliet appears at her window (or balcony), and Romeo watches her, declaring her to be his sun.
- Romeo listens as Juliet talks about him, and they eventually confess their love for each other.
- Juliet asks Romeo for a commitment in exchange for hers, and they agree to meet the next day to get married.
Act 2 Scene 3
- Friar Laurence gathers herbs and plants for his medicines and potions.
- Romeo joins Friar Laurence and asks for his help in marrying Juliet.
- Friar Laurence initially questions Romeo's intentions but agrees to help, hoping the union will end the feud between the families.
Analyze the opening of Act 2 in Romeo and Juliet, including Romeo's impatience and his decision to climb the orchard wall to see Juliet.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
