Romeo and Juliet Act 2 Analysis

Questions and Answers

What does the Act 2 Prologue say happened to Romeo's love for Rosaline?

Romeo's love for Rosaline has died and is not there anymore.

How is the Prologue an example of foreshadowing?

It foreshadows that Romeo will find his one true love, Juliet, after losing interest in Rosaline.

What does Romeo mean by 'dull earth' in Scene 1, line 2?

Romeo is implying that he feels like 'dull earth' and that Juliet means the world to him.

What does Romeo compare Juliet to in his first speech in Sc. 2, lines 2-3?

Romeo compares Juliet to the sun. Signup and view all the answers

What does Juliet mean when she says, 'That which we call a rose / By any other word would smell as sweet'?

She believes that their love remains significant regardless of what it is called. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Juliet ask Romeo not to swear his love's allegiance by the moon?

She feels that their love might not last, and doesn't want to feel trapped. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the first to mention marriage?

Juliet is the first one to mention marriage. Signup and view all the answers

What do lines 182-184 literally mean?

Romeo expresses a desire to be around Juliet constantly. Signup and view all the answers

According to the Friar, how are humans like plants?

He thinks love is like a flower; it can be both good and bad. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Friar mean when he says, 'O, she knew well / Thy love did read by rote and could not spell'?

He implies that their love is impulsive and might not last. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the Friar agree to marry Romeo and Juliet?

He thinks it may end the feud between their families. Signup and view all the answers

Who are Laura, Dido, Cleopatra, Helen, and Hero?

They are women Mercutio uses to illustrate Romeo's fickle love life. Signup and view all the answers

How does Mercutio treat the Nurse?

He makes rude jokes about her. Signup and view all the answers

Who does the Nurse say also wants to marry Juliet?

The Nurse says Paris also wants to marry Juliet. Signup and view all the answers

What time of day is it?

It is night time. Signup and view all the answers

How long has the Nurse been gone on her errand to find Romeo?

The Nurse was gone for three hours. Signup and view all the answers

What's humorous about the way the Nurse treats Juliet in this scene?

The Nurse stalls and avoids telling Juliet what Romeo said. Signup and view all the answers

Is Romeo fearful of the future? Write down the lines that support your answer.

Yes, he fears he will die without knowing when. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the Friar's warning: 'These violent delights have violent ends.'

It warns that passionate love can lead to destructive outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What happens at the very end of this scene?

The Nurse finally reveals what Romeo said about marriage. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Act II Key Points

Romeo's love for Rosaline is proclaimed dead in the Prologue; foreshadows his switch to affection for Juliet after attending the Capulet party.
"Dull earth" signifies Romeo's feelings of being lifeless without Juliet; he hides from friends to seek her out at the party.
Romeo likens Juliet to the sun, emphasizing her brightness and vital presence in his life.
Juliet's remark about a rose highlights the idea that love's essence remains unchanged, regardless of labels or potential for pain.
Juliet's request for Romeo not to swear by the moon reflects her desire to avoid feeling trapped in their budding relationship due to their young ages.
Juliet mentions marriage first, indicating her strong feelings, but suggests a hasty progression in their relationship without understanding each other fully.
Romeo's comment about wanting to be constantly near Juliet foreshadows potential danger in their passionate love, linked to their family feud.
The Friar compares humans to plants, stating love, like nature, has both fruitful and challenging phases.
The Friar's words suggest that Romeo and Juliet's infatuation lacks depth; they rush towards marriage without waiting to truly know each other.
The Friar reluctantly agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet, believing it may resolve the conflict between their families.
Laura, Dido, Cleopatra, Helen, and Hero are figures Mercutio uses to depict Romeo's fickle nature in love, illustrating a playfulness towards Romeo's romantic pursuits.
Mercutio uses mocking humor towards the Nurse, suggesting a lack of respect for her status.
The Nurse reveals that Paris desires to marry Juliet, but states that Juliet's affections are solely for Romeo.
The events unfold at night, as Romeo and Juliet's secret relationship demands concealment from their feuding families.
The Nurse's errand to find Romeo takes three hours, illustrating her delay and the tension surrounding their communication.
The Nurse humorously evades telling Juliet about Romeo’s proposal, heightening Juliet's anticipation and frustration.
Romeo expresses fear about the future, aware of the volatility and potential tragic end to their love story.
The Friar's warning about passionate love suggests that intense emotions lead to ruin; their love is as volatile as fire and gunpowder.
At the scene's end, the Nurse finally informs Juliet about Romeo's intentions for marriage, juxtaposing their romance against the backdrop of familial animosity.

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Test your understanding of Act 2 of Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' with these flashcards. Explore key themes, foreshadowing elements, and character developments, particularly focusing on Romeo's shifting affections. Challenge your grasp of the text and deepen your appreciation for Shakespeare's craft.