Romeo & Juliet Act 2

Question 1

1. Compare the attitudes of Mercutio and Benvolio as they look for Romeo. (lines 7-21) & (line 22) & (30-32)

Answer 1

• Mercutio uses playful and teasing language to call out for Romeo. He invokes Rosaline, Romeo’s former love interest, in an attempt to draw Romeo out by mocking his infatuation. Mercutio is irreverent and uses crude humor, showing his cynical view of Romeo’s romantic escapades. For example, in lines 7-21, he calls Romeo “madman” and “lover,” suggesting a mix of exasperation and amusement at Romeo’s lovestruck behavior.
• Benvolio’s approach is more practical and concerned. In line 22, he suggests they should leave and stop searching for Romeo, stating, “He ran this way and leapt this orchard wall.” Benvolio is worried about Romeo’s emotional state and respects his desire for solitude, showing a deeper sensitivity to Romeo’s feelings. In lines 30-32, his practicality shows again when he mentions that Romeo will be annoyed if they find him against his will.

Question 2

Identify two metaphors Romeo uses to describe Juliet in lines 2-6 & lines 15-22 Scene 2

Answer 2

• Romeo refers to Juliet as the sun that banishes the envious moon and as an angel or winged messenger of heaven.

Question 3

Identify the concern that Juliet voices when she begins to speak. (lines 33-36) Scene 2

Wherefore art thou Romeo ….deny thy father and refuse they name

Answer 3

• Juliet expresses worry that is Romeo is a Montegue - why he has to be an enemy to her family

Question 4

Explain the point Juliet makes when she compares Romeo to a rose. (lines 38-48) Scene 2

Answer 4

• Juliet argues that a name is merely a label, and that Romeo would still be himself (and still possess all his admirable qualities) even if he were not called “Romeo” or a “Montague.”

Question 5

What practical concern does Juliet express in lines 62-65? Scene 2

“If they do see thee, they will murder thee”

Answer 5

• She is worried about the danger Romeo faces if her family finds him in thr Capulet garden below her window.

Question 6

What concern does Juliet express in lines 93-104? Scene 2

“Thou might prove false…..or if thou think I am too quickly won I’ll frown and be perverse”

Answer 6

• In lines 93-104, she worries about the sincerity and seriousness of Romeo’s love

Question 7

What concern does Juliet express in lines 116-120? Scene 2

“It is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden”

Answer 7

• In lines 116-120, she frets that their love has blossomed too quickly

Question 8

Who is the first to mention marriage?

Does this affect characterization? (lines 142-147) Scene 2

Answer 8

Juliet first mentions marriage, suggesting a deep commitment and seriousness about their relationship.

Question 9

Romeo and Juliet both have famous lines about parting.

Paraphrase each quotation: (Scene 2)

Juliet: good night, good night. Parting is such sweet sorrow that I shall say good night till it be morrow

Romeo: Sleep dwell upon thine eyes, peace in the breast.

Answer 9

• Juliet (lines 185-186): Juliet expresses a longing for the next day, for only then will she see Romeo again, comparing their parting to a child’s eagerness for a holiday.
  *. Romeo: he wishes he were at sleep so that he would find his rest with her

Question 10

What does Friar Laurence say about plants in lines 23-28? Scene 3

Answer 10

• He remarks on the dual nature of plants, which can be both medicinal and poisonous, symbolizing the dual nature of human beings.

Question 11

Describe the relationship between Friar Laurence and Romeo. (lines 31-47) & (lines 69-87)

Offer evidence to support your position. Scene 3

Answer 11

• Friar Laurence is a mentor and confidant to Romeo, often giving him advice and showing concern for his well-being.

Question 12

Explain Friar Laurence’s comment in lines 67-68. Scene 3

Answer 12

• He cautions about acting hastily, as rushing can lead to dangerous outcomes.

Question 13

Why does Friar Laurence agree to marry Romeo and Juliet?

What does this decision suggest about his character? (lines 90-92) Scene 3

Answer 13

• He believes their marriage could reconcile their feuding families, reflecting his hopefulness and perhaps naivety.

Question 14

Explain the significance of line 94 on Scene 3

Wisely and slow. They stumble that run fast

Answer 14

• This line likely reinforces a thematic or moral message, possibly related to love or haste.

Question 15

What news does Benvolio share with Mercutio at the beginning of the scene? Scene 4

How does Mercutio respond? (lines 6-16) Scene 4

Answer 15

• Benvolio tells Mercutio that Tybalt has sent a challenge to Romeo, and Mercutio respond with humor and admiration for Tybalt’s skill with a sword.

Question 16

Explain the interaction between Romeo and Mercutio.

What does it suggest about a change in Romeo’s character? (lines 42-81) Scene 4

Answer 16

• This shows a change in Romeo, who is now more joyful and playful, indicating his love for Juliet has transformed him.

Question 17

Explain the comment Romeo makes to the Nurse about Mercutio. {lines 129-130) Scene 4

Answer 17

• Romeo both apologizes and tried to explain Mercutios conduct. Romeo suggests that Mercutio is a humorous man who speaks more in jest than in earnest

Question 18

What warning does the Nurse make to Romeo? (lines 142-147) Scene 4

Answer 18

• She warns Romeo to be honorable in his intentions towards Juliet, showing her protective nature.

Question 19

What plan does Romeo give to the Nurse? (lines 155-158) Scene 4

Answer 19

• He provides a plan for Juliet to come to Friar Laurence’s cell so they can be married.

Question 20

How does the Nurse avoid Juliet’s questions? Scene 5

Answer 20

• The Nurse evasively complains about her aches and pains to delay delivering Romeo’s messages.

Question 21

How does Juliet respond the Nurse’s delays? Scene 5

Answer 21

• Juliet becomes impatient and frustrated, urging the Nurse to deliver the news.

Question 22

Explain the warning that Friar Laurence gives Romeo. (lines 9-15) Scene 6

Answer 22

• He warns Romeo to love moderately, suggesting that intense, sudden passions can have destructive ends.