Romeo Key Quotes and Ideas

Questions and Answers

What does Romeo lament about Rosaline in Act 1, Scene 2?

One fairer than my love? The all-seeing sun Ne'er saw her match since first the world begun.

What does Romeo say when he first sees Juliet in Act 1, Scene 5?

O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!

What realization does Romeo come to after seeing Juliet for the first time?

Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night.

How does Romeo compare Juliet to a dove among crows in Act 1, Scene 5?

So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows, As yonder lady o'er her fellow shows. Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor does Romeo use to describe Juliet in Act 2, Scene 2?

It is the east and Juliet is the sun. Signup and view all the answers

What does Romeo wish to be in Act 2, Scene 2 regarding Juliet?

A glove upon that hand, That I might touch that cheek! Signup and view all the answers

What does Romeo anticipate after Mercutio's death in Act 3, Scene 1?

This day's black fate on more days doth depend. Thus but begins the woe others must end. Oh, I am a fortune's fool. Signup and view all the answers

How does Romeo feel about his banishment in Act 3, Scene 3?

'Tis torture, and not mercy. Heaven is here, Where Juliet lives, and every cat and dog live here in heaven and may look on her. But Romeo may not. Signup and view all the answers

What does Romeo dream about Juliet in Act 5, Scene 1?

I dreamt my lady came and found me dead - Strange dream, that gives a dead man leave to think! Signup and view all the answers

What does Romeo say before taking poison in Act 5, Scene 3?

The doors of breath, seal with a righteous kiss A dateless bargain to engrossing death! Here's to my love! Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Romeo's Expressions of Love and Despair

Romeo expresses deep sorrow over unrequited love for Rosaline, emphasizing her unmatched beauty: "One fairer than my love? The all-seeing sun Ne'er saw her match since first the world begun." (Act 1, Scene 2)
His first sight of Juliet evokes awe, declaring she is so beautiful that she "doth teach the torches to burn bright!" (Act 1, Scene 5)
Confronted by Juliet's beauty, Romeo questions if he has ever truly loved before, exclaiming, "Did my heart love till now? For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night." (Act 1, Scene 5)
Romeo compares Juliet to a "snowy dove" amidst "crows," reinforcing her beauty against others. (Act 1, Scene 5)

Metaphorical Comparisons

He poetically likens Juliet to the sun, suggesting she is the center of his universe: "It is the east and Juliet is the sun." (Act 2, Scene 2)
Romeo wishes to be a glove on Juliet's hand, expressing a longing for intimacy: "O that I were a glove upon that hand, That I might touch that cheek!" (Act 2, Scene 2)

Foreshadowing and Consequences

Following Mercutio's death, Romeo foresees tragic consequences: "This day's black fate on more days doth depend." He acknowledges his own helplessness, calling himself "a fortune's fool." (Act 3, Scene 1)
As he faces banishment, despair sets in, and Romeo laments that only unworthy creatures can see Juliet while he cannot: "'Tis torture, and not mercy. Heaven is here, Where Juliet lives..." (Act 3, Scene 3)

Dark Dreams and Finality

Romeo has a foreboding dream in which Juliet finds him dead, highlighting the theme of fate: "I dreamt my lady came and found me dead." (Act 5, Scene 1)
In his final moments, he embraces death as he prepares to join Juliet, proclaiming a kiss will seal his fate: "A dateless bargain to engrossing death!" (Act 5, Scene 3)

Description

Explore key quotes and ideas from Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' focused on the character of Romeo. This quiz features important lines that highlight his feelings for Rosaline and his first encounter with Juliet. Test your knowledge on these pivotal moments in the play.