Scene 2

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Summary of Act 1, Scene 2

Here's a summary of what happens in Act 1, Scene 2:

Marriage prospect - Paris and Juliet

In Scene 2, Lord Capulet (Juliet’s father) talks to Paris (a relative of Prince Escalus) about the prospect of Paris marrying Juliet.
Paris really wants to marry Juliet, and Lord Capulet is extremely happy about the match.
But Lord Capulet feels that Juliet is too young to get married (she is only 13 years old). He wants Paris to wait two summers.

Ball invitation

Lord Capulet invites Paris to the masquerade party he is holding that evening. Lord Capulet tells Paris he can begin to woo (try to gain the love of) Juliet.
- This is a bit unusual for the time period. Capulet shows that he cares about Juliet’s happiness here – he could have forced her to marry Paris immediately, but he wants her to be in love and wants to wait until she is a bit older.

Romeo and Benvolio meet the servant

Lord Capulet gives the party invitations to one of his servants and tells him to distribute them. The servant cannot read so he must ask for help.
As the servant is wandering the streets, he meets Romeo and Benvolio (who are still discussing Rosaline). He asks Romeo to read the party invitation list to him.
Romeo notices Rosaline’s name on the list.

Party invite

The servant does not think they are Montagues, so he invites Romeo and Benvolio to the party.
- Benvolio tells Romeo that the party will be the perfect opportunity for him to compare Rosaline to other women and realise that there are other beautiful women around.

1Context

1.1Context

1.1.1Tragedy & Setting

1.1.2Relationships

1.1.3Religion & Fate

1.1.4End of Topic Test - Context

1.1.5Diagnostic Misconceptions - Era

1.1.6Diagnostic Misconceptions - Location

2Plot Summary

3Key Characters

3.1Romeo

3.1.1First Impressions & Juliet's Effect

3.1.2Character Development

3.1.3Reactions & Key Quotes

3.1.4Diagnostic Misconceptions - Age

3.1.5Diagnostic Misconceptions - Banishment

3.1.6Diagnostic Misconceptions - Naivety

3.2Juliet

3.2.1First Impressions & Character Development

3.2.2Tragic Character

3.2.3Key Quotes

3.2.4End of Topic Test - Romeo & Juliet

3.2.5Diagnostic Misconceptions - Real People?

3.2.6Diagnostic Misconceptions - Montagues vs Capulets

3.3Mercutio

3.3.1Characterisation

3.3.2Key Quotes

3.4The Nurse, Benvolio & Tybalt

3.4.1The Nurse

3.4.2Benvolio

3.4.3Tybalt

3.5Friar Laurence

3.5.1Characterisation

3.5.2Key Quotes

3.5.3End of Topic Test- Mercutio, Nurse & Benvolio

3.5.4End of Topic Test - Tybalt & Friar Laurence

3.5.5Diagnostic Misconceptions - What is a Friar?

3.6Grade 9 - Key Characters

3.6.1Grade 9 - Key Characters

3.6.2Grade 9 - Key Characters: Extract Analysis

4Key Themes & Concepts

4.1Power & Danger of Love

4.1.1Romeo's Loves

4.1.2Friendship & Family

4.1.3Violent Love

4.1.4End of Topic Test - Love

4.2Violence, Fate & Gender

4.2.1Violence, Conflict & Suicide

4.2.2Exam-Style Questions - Violence & Death

4.2.3Fate & Destiny

4.2.4Gender

4.2.5End of Topic Test - Violence, Fate & Gender

4.2.6Grade 9 - Key Themes

4.2.7Diagnostic Misconceptions - Type of Play

5Writing Techniques

5.1Writing Techniques

5.1.1Language, Rhythm & Rhyme

5.1.2Symbolism & Imagery

5.1.3Dramatic Irony & Soliloquys

5.1.4End of Topic Test - Writing Techniques

5.1.5Diagnostic Misconceptions - Wherefore

6Recap: Main Quotes

6.1Main Quotes by Act

6.1.1Act 1

6.1.2Act 2

6.1.3Act 3

6.1.4Act 4

6.1.5Act 5

6.2Main Quotes by Character

6.2.1Romeo

6.2.2Juliet

6.2.3Mercutio

6.2.4Friar Laurence

6.2.5Nurse

6.2.6Benvolio

6.2.7Tybalt

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