Romeo & Juliet
Answers to Act 2 Questions
- What characteristics of Romeo and Juliet are evident by their speeches in scene ii?
Romeo– idealist, impulsive/daring, confident, thinks with his heart, passionate/romantic, seeks immediate satisfaction, imaginative, impatient
Juliet – realist, cautious, but daring, practical/sound reasoning, mature, logical, has a conscience, patient
- Define soliloquy. How is it effectively used in the orchard/balcony scene?
When an actor/actress speaks their thoughts out loud assuming that nobody is listening. The information they give is necessary for the audience.
Effective in the balcony scene because it is here that both Romeo and Juliet profess their love for each other.
- What plan do Romeo and Juliet make once they realize that their love for each other is real?
Nurse will meet Romeo at 9.00 to hear of the plan regarding the marriage. Friar Laurence will perform the marriage. Will be done secretly.
- Why does Friar Laurence agree to perform a secret marriage?
It may be just what is needed to end the feud between the two families – “For this alliance may so happy prove To turn your household rancour to pure love.”
- What information does Benvolio reveal to Mercutio?
Tybalt has sent a letter to Romeo challenging him to a fight because of his intrusion at the party. He must pay for his rude insult. Romeo does not know this yet as he has not been home.
- How does Mercutio react to this news? What is his opinion of Tybalt?
Mercutio says that he will have to fight for Romeo, because Romeo is in no frame of mind for a fight.
He feels that Tybalt is a phony in his reputation as a skilled swordsman. He is more of a dancer! Mercutio says these things because he is jealous.
- Explain the details of the plan that Romeo gave to Nurse.
Juliet is to come to the church under the pretense of confession. (shrift)
Marriage will take place.
Romeo’s servant will meet Nurse outside the abby and give her a rope ladder. Nurse will put this down over the balcony so that Romeo can come to Juliet’s bedroom at night.
Wedding night – consummation of marriage
- Scene vi takes place on Monday afternoon. What BIG event occurs immediately?
The actual wedding – Friar Laurence is in a big hurry to get it done.
- Why is Friar Laurence introduced with herbs/flowers in the garden? What does this foreshadow?
The Friar is introduced out and about in the early morning looking for herbs and medicinal plants. Because many of the poor people during this time could not afford doctors, clergymen were known to help out with a holistic-style treatment if called upon.
The Friar's soliloquy is about the healing power of plants and herbs. However, he also warns that some plants used to heal can also be poisonous. This, of course,foreshadowsthe tragic events to come by indicating what will happen later on in the play. The deaths of Romeo and Juliet.