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

Summary

This passage is an excerpt from Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet,' focusing on the iconic balcony scene where Romeo and Juliet confess their love for each other. Romeo marvels at Juliet's beauty, comparing her to the sun and lamenting their family feud. Juliet, unaware of his presence at first, contemplates the meaning of names and expresses her desire to be with Romeo, even if it means abandoning their identities. They exchange vows of love and discuss marriage, while also struggling with the danger of being discovered. The scene captures the intensity of their love and the tension of their circumstances.

Takeaways

• 🌞 Romeo admires Juliet's beauty, comparing her to the sun and the envious moon.
• 🌟 Romeo is captivated by Juliet's eyes, saying they outshine the stars in the heavens.
• ❤️ Juliet wishes Romeo would reject his family name, as she sees it as the only barrier between them.
• 🌹 Juliet expresses that a name doesn't define a person, likening it to a rose that would smell just as sweet by another name.
• 💘 Romeo confesses that he climbed the orchard walls out of love for Juliet, undeterred by the danger.
• 💔 Juliet fears her love may seem too easily won but insists that it is genuine.
• 🌙 Romeo swears his love by the moon, but Juliet objects, calling the moon inconstant.
• 💍 Juliet proposes that if Romeo's intentions are honorable, they should marry, and she will send for him the next day.
• 🎶 The lovers share tender goodbyes, with Juliet saying parting is such sweet sorrow.
• 🕊️ Their conversation reflects themes of youthful passion, secrecy, and the desire for freedom in love.

Q & A

What is the significance of Romeo comparing Juliet to the sun?

Romeo compares Juliet to the sun to express her importance in his life. Just as the sun brings light and warmth, Juliet brings brightness and joy to Romeo’s world, making her the center of his universe.

Why does Romeo refer to the moon as 'envious' in his speech?

Romeo describes the moon as 'envious' because it pales in comparison to Juliet’s beauty. The moon, often associated with chastity, is jealous of Juliet, who represents life, love, and beauty.

What does Juliet mean by 'O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?'

Juliet is not asking where Romeo is, but why he has to be Romeo, a Montague, the family that is feuding with hers. She laments that his identity, tied to his name, is the only barrier between them.

What is Juliet’s attitude towards names and their significance?

Juliet believes that names are arbitrary and do not define a person. She argues that Romeo would still be the same person she loves even if he had a different name, just as a rose would smell as sweet by any other name.

Why does Romeo refuse to reveal his name to Juliet?

Romeo refuses to reveal his name because he knows that his name, Montague, is an enemy to Juliet and her family. He expresses hatred for his own name because it stands between their love.

How does Romeo justify his presence in the Capulet orchard, despite the danger?

Romeo explains that love gave him the courage to enter the Capulet orchard. He says that 'love's light wings' helped him overcome the walls and that no physical barrier or threat from her family can stop him from being near Juliet.

What concerns does Juliet express about Romeo swearing by the moon?

Juliet asks Romeo not to swear by the moon because the moon is constantly changing. She fears that swearing by something so inconstant would make Romeo’s love seem equally unreliable.

Why does Juliet ask Romeo if his love for her is honorable?

Juliet seeks assurance that Romeo's intentions are serious and honorable, specifically asking if he intends to marry her. She does not want their love to be fleeting or based on mere infatuation.

What does Juliet mean when she says 'Good night, good night! parting is such sweet sorrow'?

Juliet expresses the bittersweet feeling of saying goodbye to Romeo. The sorrow comes from parting with him, but it is 'sweet' because she knows they will meet again.

What does Romeo mean when he says 'With love's light wings did I o'er-perch these walls'?

Romeo is explaining that his love for Juliet gave him the strength and courage to overcome any physical or emotional barriers, symbolized by the orchard walls, that would normally keep them apart.