Act 2 Scene 2 | Romeo and Juliet | 2018 | Royal Shakespeare Company

Summary

In this iconic balcony scene from Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet,' the young lovers express their profound feelings for each other, exploring themes of love, identity, and the conflict between family loyalties. Romeo, enamored by Juliet's beauty, compares her to the sun and declares his love, while Juliet grapples with the implications of their families' feud. Their heartfelt exchanges reveal their longing to be together despite the dangers posed by their respective backgrounds. This timeless dialogue captures the essence of youthful passion and the struggles of forbidden love, resonating with audiences across generations.

Takeaways

• 🌅 Romeo compares Juliet's beauty to the sun, emphasizing her brightness and superiority over the moon.
• 🌙 Juliet feels conflicted about her family's name, wishing Romeo could renounce his Montague identity to avoid their feud.
• 🌹 The famous line about a rose illustrates the idea that names do not define the essence of a person.
• 💔 Both characters are aware of the peril their love brings due to their families' enmity.
• 💞 Juliet expresses her willingness to forsake her family name for the sake of love.
• 👀 Romeo is mesmerized by Juliet, wishing he could be close enough to touch her cheek.
• ⚔️ Juliet recognizes the danger of Romeo being discovered by her family but is undeterred by the threat.
• ✨ Their dialogue is rich with poetic imagery, highlighting their deep emotional connection.
• 📜 Juliet desires a promise of fidelity from Romeo, wary of love's fickleness.
• 🌓 The exchange illustrates the tension between youthful passion and the harsh realities of their family loyalties.

Q & A

What metaphor does Romeo use to describe Juliet when he first sees her?

Romeo compares Juliet to the sun, stating she is 'the east' and the source of light that outshines the 'envious moon.'

How does Juliet feel about her identity as a Capulet in relation to Romeo?

Juliet expresses that she wishes Romeo would deny his family name (Montague) because it is an enemy to her, revealing her inner conflict about their families' feud.

What does Juliet mean when she says, 'What's in a name?'

Juliet argues that a name does not define a person, suggesting that Romeo would still be the same person without the name Montague, which she sees as an obstacle to their love.

What risks does Romeo acknowledge when he sneaks into the Capulet orchard?

Romeo acknowledges the danger of being discovered by Juliet's relatives, as they would likely kill him for trespassing due to the ongoing feud between their families.

What does Juliet mean when she calls Romeo a 'sweet, gentle Romeo'?

Juliet uses affectionate language to express her admiration and love for Romeo, emphasizing his kindness and charm despite the risks associated with their relationship.

How does Romeo's declaration of love challenge traditional views of courtly love?

Romeo's willingness to openly profess his love for Juliet contrasts with the traditional courtly love convention, which often involved unrequited love and idealization rather than mutual affection.

What does Juliet request from Romeo regarding his love?

Juliet asks Romeo to swear his love for her faithfully, expressing concern about the potential for betrayal, highlighting her vulnerability and desire for sincerity in their relationship.

How does the imagery of light and darkness function in this scene?

The imagery contrasts light (symbolizing love, hope, and purity) with darkness (representing danger and secrecy), reinforcing the theme of love blossoming in a hostile environment.

What significance does the moon have in their conversation?

The moon symbolizes inconsistency and change, and Juliet cautions Romeo against swearing by it, fearing that their love might also become variable like the moon's phases.

How does this scene illustrate the theme of youthful passion?

The impulsive and intense feelings expressed by both Romeo and Juliet demonstrate the theme of youthful passion, highlighting their willingness to defy societal norms and family loyalty for love.