Romeo and Juliet Act II
Name______Date____ Period___
All questions must be answered in complete sentences.
Prologue
Setting the Stage
In the Middle Ages, people believed that falling in love could be dangerous. A person who fell in love too quickly and deeply might not be able to make wise decisions. A lover who was “hit by Cupid’s arrow” would not be able to think or act sensibly. As you read Scene 1, observe how Mercutio describes the love-struck Romeo.
1. Both Romeo and Juliet have been bewitched by ______
2. List two difficulties that the lovers face. ______and ______
3. . According to the chorus, what will help Romeo and Juliet overcome their problems? List two ideas in your answer. 3A______3B______
Act 2 Scene 1
1. Just before his friends call him, Romeo ______
2. Why do Mercutio and Benvolio eventually head home? Copy the line (s) that show this.
______
Act 2 Scene 2
Setting the Stage
Juliet, like other young women from wealthy families, has been carefully prepared for courtship and marriage. She has been trained to hide her real feelings. She also is expected to be shy and modest with men. Only men are allowed to be bold and outgoing during courtship.
However, in scene 2, Juliet does not behave as she has been taught. Notice how her behavior is different from what is expected of young women.
1. Shakespeare uses images of light and brightness to create certain feelings. Notice how Romeo uses these kinds of images when he talks to Juliet. Write three examples from page 78 in which Romeo compares Juliet’s beauty to something that is light. List the line number for each example in the column at the right.
a. ______
b. ______
c. ______
Who says this quote and what does it mean? O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?
Deny thy father and refuse thy name;
Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love,
And I'll no longer be a Capulet. (33)
______
1. How does Romeo respond to what Juliet says?
______
2. Romeo, who has been hiding in the orchard, calls out to Juliet. Juliet speaks to him from her balcony. She is worried about Romeo because ______
3. How does Romeo claim to have entered the Capulet’s property? Copy down the line (s) that show this.
______
4. What does Juliet ask Romeo to do to prove his love to her?
______
5. During the balcony scene Juliet says, “What’s in a name? The thing which we call a rose would smell just as sweet if it had any other name….Romeo, get rid of your name, and place of that name, which isn’t part of you, take me.”
Is it only their names that separate Romeo and Juliet? If Romeo should change his name, do you think their problems would be solved? Explain your answer.
YOUR OWN OPINION – WITH AN EXPLANATION
Act 2 Scene 3
Setting the Stage
During the Middle Ages, priests and friars filled several roles. Men of the church ran schools and tutored wealthy children. They also helped both rich and poor people solve spiritual and personal problems. Sometimes priests and friars even served as matchmakers.
Some friars were also herbalists. These men used plants (herbs) to try to cure illnesses. They might also be asked to provide protection from diseases or injury in battle.
In Scene 3 you will see how the Friar serves as both an advisor and a healer. Notice how he uses his knowledge of nature as he gives advice to Romeo.
1. What is the Friar saying about the powers of natural plants and herbs?
______
2. Friar is saying that humans can be both _____ and ______
3. What does Romeo tell Friar Lawrence about how he spent the night? What does Romeo ask him to do?
______
4. How does Friar Lawrence initially react to this news?
At first Friar Lawrence thinks that Romeo is not really in love with Juliet but is in love with her looks. He also points out how it was only yesterday that Romeo was complaining about being in love with Rosaline and she did not return his love.
5. Why does Friar Lawrence ultimately agree to Romeo’s request?
Friar Lawrence thinks the marriage could end the families feud.
6. The Friar warns Romeo that good things-including people-also have the power to cause evil. Choose two characters from this play that have both good and bad qualities (strengths and weaknesses). List their strengths and weakness.
Person Strengths Weaknesses
Example:Lady Montague / Loving mother
Kind to those who work for her / Sometimes inconsiderate of others’ feelings
Too concerned with wealth and social position
Character 1:
Character 2:
Act 2 Scene 4
Setting the Stage
Upper-class women in Verona were treated with courtesy. They were praised in poetry and love ballads. Lower-class women, however, did not get this respect. Men often used vulgar language when speaking to them. The lower-class women were simply expected to accept such harsh treatment. In scene 4, Benvolio, Mercutio, and Romeo meet Juliet’s nurse. As you read, notice how Romeo and his friends treat the nurse.
1. Tybalt has sent a letter to Romeo. Mercutio believes that the letter contains
an invitation to fight.
2. How do Mercutio and Benvolio believe Romeo has spent the night?
They believe he was with Rosaline.
3. Find two examples of how Benvolio and Mercutio are rude to the Nurse. In the chart below, write the speaker’s names and what he says. Then explain what the speaker means. An example has been done for you.
Benvolio / Quote: “A sail, a sail!” (Line 87)Meaning: Benvolio means that the Nurse is a large woman.
Speaker:
Mercutio / Quote: “Good Peter to hide her face, for her fan’s the fairer face.”
Meaning: Peter, give her the fan- its better looking than her face.
Speaker:
Mercutio / Quote: “An old hare hoar.”
Meaing: The nurse is lower class and so old she is worth nothing.
4. What does Romeo instruct the Nurse to tell Juliet? What must the Nurse do as well?
· He tells the Nurse to tell Juliet to come to confession alone today and they will be married.
· The Nurse must get a rope ladder from Balthasar so that Romeo can climb up to Juliet’s balcony for their honeymoon.
Act 2 Scenes 5 & 6
Setting the Stage
Today a couple can be legally married without a religious ceremony. However, in the Middle Ages only marriages performed by a clergyman were legal. A wedding was a joyous event that was celebrated by many friends and relatives. After the ceremony, the guests followed the couple through the streets to the home of the bride or groom. Then a wedding feast was held that lasted into the night. Notice how different Juliet’s wedding is from a typical ceremony of the day.
1. Why doesn’t the nurse give Juliet the message immediately?
Because the Nurse is sarcastic and like to play jokes she is teasing Juliet by withholding the message. She is trying to build the suspense.
2. Juliet begs the Nurse to report what Romeo said. As the Nurse rambles on and complains of her hard day, she also speaks of Romeo’s good traits. List three of Romeo’s qualities that the Nurse admires.
1. She thinks he is kind.
2. He is handsome.
3. He is a virtuous man.
Act 2 Scene 6
1. What advice does Friar Lawrence give about love?
People should take love slowly. When it is rushed through it can get messed up.
2. In Act II the Friar scolds Romeo for changing his mind so quickly. Romeo claimed he was in love with Rosaline. Now he wants to marry Juliet. The Friar tells Romeo, “Young men’s love lies not in their hearts but in their eyes.” What does the Friar mean?
Romeo does not fall in love with is heart, but only with beauty.
3. Do you think Romeo is moving too quickly?
YOUR OPINION