Romeo and Juliet Act 2 Scenes 3 & 4

Questions and Answers

What has Friar Laurence been gathering in his basket?

Poisonous weeds and medical flowers

Explain lines 21-22: 'Virtue itself turns vice, being misapplied,/ And vice sometime by action dignified.'

Even good intentions can have bad results and bad intentions can be honored because people can be understanding.

When Friar Laurence sees Romeo, what comment does he make about Romeo being up so early?

'Something's wrong if you're getting out of bed so early.'

What does Friar Laurence mean when he says, 'Young men's love then lies not truly in their hearts'?

Men love with their eyes not with their hearts. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Friar Laurence agree to perform the marriage ceremony for Romeo and Juliet?

So the families can stop the feud. Signup and view all the answers

According to Mercutio, what kind of man is Tybalt?

He is hot-headed and does everything by the book. He's a good fighter but a back stabber. Signup and view all the answers

What is the nurse saying to Romeo in lines 157-163?

Romeo is giving her money but the nurse refuses it. Then later she takes it. Signup and view all the answers

How is Juliet to arrange to meet Romeo?

The Nurse is the messenger. Juliet will hide behind the abbey wall, then Romeo will meet them. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Friar Laurence's Role

Friar Laurence gathers poisonous weeds and medicinal flowers for use in his practice.
His dialogue reveals the duality of nature and intentions, emphasizing that both virtue and vice can be misapplied.

Nature of Love

The lines "Virtue itself turns vice, being misapplied" suggest that well-meant actions can lead to negative outcomes, while misdeeds can garner respect or understanding.
Friar Laurence observes that young men often love superficially, indicating that physical attraction outweighs genuine emotion.

Romeo's Behavior

Friar Laurence remarks on Romeo's early rising, implying that unusual behavior hints at troubling issues in his life.
This comment foreshadows the turmoil Romeo is experiencing due to his love situation.

Consequences of Love

Friar Laurence agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet, hoping their union will ease the feud between the Montagues and Capulets.
This decision highlights his hope for reconciliation through love, revealing the theme of love's potential to heal rifts.

Tybalt's Character

Mercutio describes Tybalt as hot-headed, adhering strictly to the rules of combat but lacking moral integrity.
This characterization suggests Tybalt is not only a skilled fighter but also manipulative, both socially and physically.

Nurse's Perspective

The Nurse initially refuses Romeo's money but later accepts it, showcasing her pragmatic nature and complicated relationship with Romeo.
This interaction reflects the Nurse's role as a mediator in Juliet's romantic pursuits.

Arrangement for the Meeting

Juliet plans to meet Romeo with the Nurse acting as a messenger, indicating an elaborate scheme that encapsulates their secretive romance.
The strategic hiding behind the abbey wall underscores the secrecy and societal pressures surrounding their relationship.

Description

Test your knowledge of Act 2, Scenes 3 and 4 of 'Romeo and Juliet' through these flashcards. Explore key concepts, quotes, and character insights as you delve into Shakespeare's themes of love and morality. Are you ready to challenge your understanding of this classic text?