Act2 scene 2 Romeo and Juliet

Act 2, Scene 2 of William Shakespeare's *Romeo and Juliet* features the iconic balcony scene between Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet. This pivotal moment explores themes of love, identity, and the conflict between their feuding families. Romeo expresses his deep affection for Juliet, while she grapples with the implications of their forbidden love. The scene highlights the intensity of young love and the desire to transcend societal boundaries. Ideal for students studying Shakespearean literature and lovers of classic drama.

Key Points

Explores the famous balcony scene between Romeo and Juliet, highlighting their romantic dialogue.
Examines themes of love and identity in the context of family conflict.
Features key lines that emphasize the nature of forbidden love and societal constraints.
Provides insight into the characters' motivations and emotional struggles during their secret meeting.

208

Act 2, Scene 2 Capulet's orchard

(ROMEO.)

ROMEO

He jests at scars that never felt a wound.

But soft. What light through yonder window breaks?

(JULIET enters above.) It is my lady. O, it is my love! O, that she knew she were!

She speaks, yet she says nothing. What of that?

Her eye discourses;* I will answer it.

I am too bold. 'Tis not to me she speaks.

See how she leans her cheek upon her hand.

O that I were a glove upon that hand, that I might touch that cheek.

JULIET

Ay me.

ROMEO

She speaks. O, speak again, bright angel!

JULIET

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.

ROMEO

(Aside.) Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at this?

JULIET

'Tis but thy name that is my enemy. Thou art thyself, though not a Montague.

What's Montague? It is nor hand, nor foot, nor arm, nor face, nor any other part belonging to a man.

O, be some other name!

What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.

So Romeo would, were he not Romeo called,

retain that dear perfection which he owns without that title.

Romeo, doff* thy name; and for that name, which is no part of thee, take all myself.

ROMEO

I take thee at thy word! Call me but love, and I'll be new baptized!

JULIET

What man art thou that thus bescreened in night so stumblest on my counsel?

ROMEO

By a name I know not how to tell thee who I am.

My name, dear saint, is hateful to myself, because it is an enemy to thee.

Had I it written, I would tear the word.

discourses - communicates, doff - take off

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JULIET

My ears have not yet drunk a hundred words of that tongue's utterance, yet I know the sound.

Art thou not Romeo and a Montague?

ROMEO

Neither, fair maid, if either thee dislike.

JULIET

How camest thou hither, tell me, and wherefore?

The orchard walls are high and hard to climb,

and the place death, considering who thou art, if any of my kinsmen find thee here.

ROMEO

With love's light wings did I over-perch* these walls;

for stony limits cannot hold love out, and what love can do, that dares love attempt.

Therefore thy kinsmen are no stop to me.

JULIET

If they do see thee, they will murder thee.

ROMEO

I have night's cloak to hide me from their eyes; and but thou love me, let them find me here.

My life were better ended by their hate than death prolonged, wanting of thy love.

JULIET

Dost thou love me?

I know thou wilt say 'Ay;' and I will take thy word.

Yet if thou swearest, thou mayest prove false. At lovers' perjuries* they say Jove* laughs.

O gentle Romeo, if thou dost love, pronounce it faithfully.

Or if thou think'st I am too quickly won, I'll frown, and be perverse, and say thee nay.

ROMEO

Lady, by yonder blessed moon I swear–

JULIET

O, swear not by the moon, the inconstant moon, that monthly changes in her circled orb,

lest that thy love prove likewise variable.

ROMEO

What shall I swear by?

JULIET

Do not swear at all.

Although I joy in thee, I have no joy of this contract to night. It is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden;

too like the lightning, which doth cease to be ere* one can say, 'It lightens.'

Sweet, good night.

This bud of love, by summer's ripening breath, may prove a beauteous flower when next we meet.

over-perch - fly over perjuries - lies, Jove - God, ere - before

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ROMEO

O, wilt thou leave me so unsatisfied?

JULIET

What satisfaction canst thou have tonight?

ROMEO

The exchange of thy love's faithful vow for mine.

JULIET

I gave thee mine before thou didst request it;

and yet I would it were to give again.

ROMEO

Wouldst thou withdraw it? For what purpose love?

JULIET

But to give it to thee again.

My bounty* is as boundless as the sea, my love as deep;

the more I give to thee, the more I have, for both are infinite.

NURSE

Juliet?

JULIET

I hear some noise within. Dear love, adieu!

Anon, good nurse! Sweet Montague, be true.

Stay but a little, I will come again.

(Exit JULIET above.)

ROMEO

O blessed, blessed night!

I am afeard, being in night, all this is but a dream.

(Re enter JULIET above.)

JULIET

Three words, dear Romeo, and good night indeed.

If that thy bent* of love be honorable, thy purpose marriage,

send me word tomorrow, by one that I'll procure* to come to thee,

where and what time thou wilt perform the rite;

and all my fortunes at thy foot I'll lay and follow thee my lord throughout the world.

NURSE

(Within.) Madam?

bounty - wish to give (love), bent - purpose, procure - cause

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FAQs of Act2 scene 2 Romeo and Juliet

What is the significance of the balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet?

The balcony scene in Act 2, Scene 2 is one of the most famous moments in *Romeo and Juliet*, symbolizing the intensity and purity of young love. Here, Romeo and Juliet express their feelings for each other despite the feud between their families. This scene highlights the conflict between personal desires and societal expectations, showcasing their willingness to defy their family names for love. The poetic language used by both characters emphasizes the depth of their emotions and the theme of love as a powerful force that transcends social barriers.

How does Juliet express her feelings about Romeo's name?

In her soliloquy, Juliet questions the significance of names, famously stating that a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. This reflects her belief that Romeo's identity as a Montague should not define their love. Juliet's desire for Romeo to abandon his name underscores the theme of love versus social identity, illustrating her willingness to reject her family's legacy for the sake of their relationship. This moment encapsulates the tragic irony of their love, as their families' feud ultimately prevents their union.

What themes are explored in Act 2, Scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet?

Act 2, Scene 2 delves into several key themes, including the nature of love, the conflict between individual desires and social constraints, and the innocence of youth. The passionate exchanges between Romeo and Juliet reveal the intensity of their feelings and the impulsiveness of young love. Additionally, the scene highlights the dangers of familial loyalty and the tragic consequences of the feud between the Montagues and Capulets. These themes resonate throughout the play, illustrating the timeless struggle between love and societal expectations.

What literary devices are used in the balcony scene?

Shakespeare employs various literary devices in the balcony scene, including metaphor, simile, and personification. For instance, Romeo compares Juliet to the sun, emphasizing her beauty and brightness in his life. The use of poetic language and iambic pentameter adds a lyrical quality to their dialogue, enhancing the romantic atmosphere. Additionally, the contrast between light and dark imagery underscores the tension between their love and the dangers posed by their families. These devices contribute to the scene's emotional depth and its enduring impact on audiences.