Act II: Rising Action

Preparations for Marriage

Act II, Prologue

• Sonnet– Romeo has forgotten Rosaline– He and Juliet have fallen in love– Their families hate each other– “But passion lends them power. . . “

(II.1.14)

Act II, scene 1Later that evening:

–Romeo has left the Capulet’s party.

–He’s hiding in their orchard, hoping to catch a glimpse of Juliet.

–Benvolio & Mercutio search for him, unaware of his latest crush.

Act II, scene 2

• Romeo sees Juliet:

– “But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the East and Juliet is the sun! Arise fair sun and kill the envious moon. . . (II.2.3-5)

– “See how she leans that cheek upon her hand, O that I were a glove upon that hand” (II.2.25-26).

Act II, scene 2

• Juliet speaks to the night:

– “O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name; Or if thou wilt not . . . I’ll no longer be a Capulet” (II.2.34-37)

Act II, scene 2• Juliet continues unaware

of Romeo’s presence:

– “Tis but thy name that is my enemy . . . What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet” (II.2.39-45).

Act II, scene 2

• Romeo finally responds.

• Juliet is thrilled to hear his voice, but frightened for his safety.

• Romeo replies:– “My life were

better ended by their hate, than death prolonged, wanting of thy love” (II.2.78-79).

Act II, scene 2

• They vow to marry.

• It’s almost dawn, so they say good-bye.

– Juliet: “Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow. . (II.2.185).

Act II, scene 3(the next morning)

• Romeo leaves Juliet and goes directly to Friar Lawrence’s cell.

• He asks Friar to marry him and Juliet in secret this afternoon.

• Friar agrees because he believes the marriage will bring peace between the families.

Act II, scene 4

• Mercutio and Benvolio discuss Tybalt’s challenge to duel Romeo.

• Romeo shows up and they exchange crude remarks about Romeo’s much lighter mood.

Act II, scene 4

• Then Juliet’s nurse shows up looking for Romeo.

• He asks her to tell Juliet to meet him at Friar Lawrence’s cell that afternoon, where they will be married.

Act II, scene 5

• The nurse delivers the message to Juliet:

–“. . .Hie you hence to Friar Lawrence’ cell; There stays a husband to make you a wife” (II.5.68-69).

Act II, scene 6

• Romeo and Juliet meet at Friar Lawrence’s cell and he beckons them:

• “. . .Come with me . . . For by your leaves, you shall not stay alone till Holy Church incorporate two in one” (II.6.36-37).