Romeo and Juliet Act 2 Analysis

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.