Romeo and Juliet Act II Close Read Questions
Juliet is naturally startled to think that someone is in the garden. Why might she also be fearful, given what she has just said? ; Act II, Scene II
Because of the feud, she knows that if anyone from her family hears her talking about her love for Romeo, there will be big trouble.
Refer to lines 1-17. Infer how Benvolio and Mercutio feel. Why? ; Act II, Scene IV
Benvolio and Mercutio are joking around, but they are worried about Romeo's mood and Tybalt's letter.
What warning does the friar give about the qualities of both people and plants? How might this warning function as foreshadowing? ; Act II, Scene III
Both people and plants (native) have good and bad qualities. This is foreshadowing the fact that Romeo and Juliet love (a good thing) will to their death (bad thing).
Reread Friar Laurence's previous advice to Romeo about love (Act II, Scene 4, lines 81-84). Based on Romeo's past romantic history, what is Friar Laurence fearful of in Act II, Scene 6, lines 9-15? ; Act II, Scene VI
Friar Laurence says not to fall in love too quickly. He says to love in moderation. Friar Laurence is trying to say don't fall too hard especially if something goes wrong.
Dramatic irony enables the audience to be aware of circumstances influencing a character's actions while keeping the other characters in ignorance. Explain the dramatic irony the friar expresses in lines 39-40. ; Act II, Scene III
Friar at first thinks Romeo is upset about Rosaline. Actually he's happy about Juliet and wanting to get married.
Playwrights use dialogue to develop the unity of their play by referring to past events and other story lines. Reread lines 54-65. How does Romeo address Juliet? Why? ; Act II, Scene II
He calls her "saint". He is referring back to the conversation at the party.
Reread lines 102-104. What does Juliet mean in these lines? ; Act II, Scene II
If she had more experience in love she would play hard to get. He already knows her true feeling so there is no point to hide them. She wouldn't have said all her feelings if she knew he was there.
What lines support the idea that love will find a way? ; Act II, Scene I
In lines 13 to 15 it talks about how love can be blind. It's saying no matter what if they love each other deeply, they will find a way to be together. Passion equals power and it's gonna take time. It will be hard but in the end it will be worth it.
Identify the lines that explain why the friar agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet. Infer other reasons to the friar's cooperation. ; Act II, Scene III
In lines 90-92 agrees to marry them, hoping it will end the feud.
Why does the photograph (pg. 219) create an ominous mood? ; Act II, Scene IV
It shows shadows, darkness, and no faces.
Explain how Juliet's candor, honesty that may be brutal, might affect the progress of their relationship. ; Act II, Scene II
Juliet and Romeo's relationship will start out fast.
Reread lines 118-120. Why does Juliet compare their love to lightning? What does this comparison reveal about her feelings? What does Romeo say that conveys a similar idea? ; Act II, Scene II
Juliet compare their love to lightning because it hit all of a sudden then it's gone. This comparison reveals she wants their love to last longer. He says "O, wilt thou leave me unsatisfied?" He wants to be with Juliet longer as well. That's why they want to get married tomorrow.
Reread lines 142-149. What does Juliet demand from Romeo? What motivates her request? ; Act II, Scene II
Juliet demand's marriage tomorrow. Her love motivates her request.
How have Juliet's priorities changed since Act 1? ; Act II, Scene II
Juliet is now willing to defy her family.
The balcony scene quickly advances the main plot line, Romeo and Juliet's relationship. Reread lines 85-106. Why does Juliet tell Romeo that she feels embarrassed? What does she say he would see if it were not so dark? ; Act II, Scene II
Juliet's embarrassed because he knows her true feelings for him. Juliet also felt that she fell in love quickly. If it wasn't dark he would see her blushing.
How is the nurse treated by Mercutio and Benvolio (lines 110-126)? What do their actions tell you about their characters? ; Act II, Scene IV
Mercutio and Benvolio makes fun of the nurse's appearance and how uneducated she is. Their actions tell you that their characters are immature and of a much higher social status.
Describe Mercutio's attitude toward Romeo's feelings based on his choice of words. Apart from making fun of Romeo, why is Mercutio so aware of Romeo's lovesick state? What is the dramatic irony of Mercutio's speech? ; Act II, Scene IV
Mercutio is saying Romeo is over dramatic in love. Mercutio is close with Romeo. The dramatic irony is Romeo is lovesick over Juliet.
How does Mercutio's dialogue in this scene add to your impression of his character? ; Act II, Scene I
Mercutio jokes about love and how it makes you feel. He doesn't see how love really affects Romeo. He is concerned for his friend however and wonders where he could be. Mercutio's a bit immature in the love department.
What does Mercutio think he has accomplished through his humor? What is his opinion about people that broad over love? Infer why Mercutio may feel this way. Refer to lines 77-81. ; Act II, Scene IV
Mercutio thinks he has cheered up Romeo. He thinks people who mope over love are stupid. There are better ways to spend one's time.
Recall what the nurse said about Paris. Why does she agree to help Romeo in his plan to marry Juliet? ; Act II, Scene IV
Nurse said that Paris was like the perfect man. The nurse sees how Juliet views him negatively and doesn't want that for her. She wants Juliet to be happy and if that means marrying Romeo so be it.
What conflict will Romeo and Juliet face in their pursuit of love? ; Act II, Scene I
Romeo and Juliet will face people challenging (threatening) their relationship because they are enemies.
Describe the style of Romeo's speech in lines 57-70. How has it changed? What shows the friar's strong reaction. Why does he feel this way? ; Act II, Scene III
Romeo clearly explains he wants to marry Juliet.The Friar swears at this. Romeo just was in love with Rosaline and just met Juliet.
Explain the metaphor Romeo uses to describe his relationship with Juliet, What does this metaphor express about his feelings for her? ; Act II, Scene I
Romeo is comparing himself to the dull earth and has to find his center. Juliet is his center, which is the heart. The heart will help him function and make the earth less dull. Romeo feels as if Juliet completes him and needs her in his life.
Reread lines 187-190. Why is Romeo going to see Friar Laurence? What does this reveal about his actions? ; Act II, Scene II
Romeo is going to see Friar Laurence to arrange the wedding. This reveals he wants to be with her longer so they're moving fast.
What do you notice about Romeo's responses in this exchange with Mercutio as compared to their conversation in Act 1? Refer to lines 56-72. ; Act II, Scene IV
Romeo is joking with Mercutio.
In lines 21-37, all three characters speak (Juliet, Friar Laurence, and Romeo). Contrast Romeo's speech with Juliet's. What does this difference reveal about their two characters? What is Friar Laurence's tone? Explain. ; Act II, Scene VI
Romeo puts more words in their love and is dramatic. Juliet believes the words aren't as important because the feelings matter more. Romeo is more conscious and Juliet is more mature about love. Friar Laurence is worried and cautious because he knows the marriage could blow things up. He really does want the best for them though.
Remember, a playwright may use foreshadowing to maintain the audience's interest in the plot. Which words or phrases in Romeo's speech (lines 3-8) suggest a tragic future? ; Act II, Scene VI
Romeo says he doesn't care if he dies because he is happy being with Juliet.
A soliloquy is when a character is alone on stage and speaks his/her innermost thoughts. What provokes Romeo to speak aloud? What does he compare Juliet to in his speech? What does the soliloquy reveal about his thoughts? ; Act II, Scene II
Romeo speaks because he sees Juliet come to the window. He compares Juliet to the sun. He is in love with Juliet.
Explain why the friar tells Romeo to speak more plainly (lines 55-56). Why is this language particularly confusing to the friar? ; Act II, Scene III
Romeo's not making himself clear. He's referring to his "foe" and "enemy" and not explaining that he's fallen in love with Capulet.
How does Romeo react to the name of Rosaline? Why? (lines 46-46) ; Act II, Scene III
Rosaline who? He's already over her and in "love" with Juliet.
Dramatic irony is when the reader knows something that the character(s) do not know. Reread lines 17-32. How does Shakespeare use dramatic irony in this section of the text? Cite textual evidence to support your explanation. Why might his friends be concerned about Romeo's actions in this section of the text? ; Act II, Scene I
Shakespeare uses dramatic irony to make it feel like no one can really become between Romeo and Juliet's love for eachother. Shakespeare uses dramatic irony when the readers know that Romeo won't love Rosaline anymore. In line 17 Mercutio says "I conjure thee by Rosaline's bright eyes". His friends still thinks Romeo loves Rosaline and don't know about Juliet. His friends think Romeo just hid in the trees to have company. The audience knows though that he went off to see Juliet. The readers know this because earlier in line 1 Romeo says "Can I go forward when my heart is here?". Romeo won't leave until he sees Juliet again.
While the dialogue used within the play advances the plot, it also includes figurative language that provides insight into the characters and their relationships. Why does Juliet not want Romeo to swear his love to her by the moon? ; Act II, Scene II
She doesn't want Romeo to swear on the moon because the moon changes throughout phases. If their love is sworn to the moon that means it will change over time.
What does Juliet say that shows the strength of her feelings for Romeo? ; Act II, Scene II
She loves him so much that she will give up her name and family to be with him.
In lines 54-65 what warning does Juliet give to Romeo? What is the impact of this reminder on the audience? ; Act II, Scene II
She warns him that her family will kill him if they see him. The effect is to remind the audience of the feud.
Look closely at the photo on p. 225. Why do you think the director of the 1968 film version may have chosen this actress to play Juliet? ; Act II, Scene V
The actress looks like she has a sort of innocence to her and a graceful presence. The actress is also very young and beautiful like Juliet.
Reread lines 9-20 in the friar's speech: "That earth that's nature's mother is her tomb, / What is her burying grave, that is her womb." What idea does the Friar convey with these contradictory statements? What earlier statements in the play do Friar Laurence's contradictions echo? ; Act II, Scene III
The earth can be both a grave and a birthplace. Earlier in the play, Romeo makes contradictory statements about love.
How does this encounter with the nurse present a contrast to the threat hanging over Romeo's head? Why does Shakespeare structure his play in this way? Refer to lines 89-108. ; Act II, Scene IV
The mood is funny, joking, and optimistic in contrast of Tybalt to Tybalt who will kill Romeo if he sees him. This leads to stress in the plot but also emphasizes the major contrast that love can kill you.
What do you know about the nurse's purpose that Benvolio and Mercutio are unaware of (lines 127-139)? ; Act II, Scene IV
The nurse is taking Romeo to talk about his marriage to Juliet. Benvolio and Mercutio are still unaware of Romeo and Juliet being together. They tease the nurse because they don't know about the connection between her and Romeo.
How does Juliet's description of the nurse contrast with her characterization of love as having "wind-swift" wings? ; Act II, Scene V
The nurse isn't as fast like "wind-swift" wings. The nurse walks at a slower pace so Juliet shouldn't expect her to be back in a short amount of time.
How is the nurse's love for Juliet shown in her comments? What does she say that she is going to tell Juliet? Why does Romeo question her? (lines 140-168) ; Act II, Scene IV
The nurse's love for Juliet is shown when she tells Romeo to treat Juliet good and don't marry her if he doesn't mean it. The nurse will tell Juliet that Romeo is a gentleman, has a good heart, and means well. Romeo questions her because she didn't seem to like him at first and now she does. He wants to know if she's trustworthy and will follow up with her word.
What do Juliet's allusions to Venus and to Cupid emphasize about her state of mind as she waits for the nurse to return (lines 1-17)? ; Act II, Scene V
The state of mind Juliet is impatient and really wants to find out what Romeo sent for her. She wishes time would go by faster because she is lovesick.
What ideas about the relationship between the friar and Romeo can be inferred from this photograph? Explain. ; Act II, Scene III
They are close and Romeo looks up the Friar Laurence.
The nurse is not a complex character, that is, she will not change. She has some obvious traits that define her and that remain the same throughout the play. Reread the nurse's responses to Juliet's questions (lines 29-66). Why do they create humor? Are the nurse's actions deliberate? Why or why not? What is the effect of the nurse's responses on Juliet? Would the effect be the same or different for the audience? Explain. ; Act II, Scene V
They create humor since Juliet doesn't know what's going on and the nurse is teasing her. Yes I do think the nurse's actions are deliberate because she's joking around with Juliet. I think the nurse just wanted to tease Juliet since she was eager to hear the news. The nurse is having her doubts about Romeo. However, Juliet just ignores her since she loves him. The effect is how much the nurse cares about Juliet and will support her. The effect is the same for the audience because through their actions you can see their close relationship.
Reread line 5. What does this line identify as the difference between the situation with Rosaline and the one with Juliet? ; Act II, Scene I
This time Romeo loves a girl (Juliet) and this time she loves him back (unlike Rosaline).
What is Mercutio saying in lines 18-24 through this comparison of Tybalt to his namesake, the cat? ; Act II, Scene IV
Tybalt fights using the new style with a lot of fancy moves.
Throughout the play, the idea of death being preferable to separation recurs. Romeo and Juliet also frequently use hyperbole, an exaggeration, to express their love. Is Romeo serious about his declaration? Why or why not? ; Act II, Scene II
Yes because he states that he is willing to die and to go against his family's wishes to be with her.
