Act 2

Test yourself

Key Quotes - Act 2, Scene 2

Here are key quotes from Romeo and Juliet in Act 2, Scene 2:

Romeo

'But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks? / It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.'
- When Romeo sees Juliet, he immediately compares her to the sun. He uses the metaphor 'Juliet is the sun' to suggest that she brings light, happiness and love to his life.
- Without her, he feels that his life has no meaning. This shows how strong his love for her is.

Juliet

'O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo? / Deny thy father and refuse thy name; / Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, / And I'll no longer be a Capulet.'
- In her soliloquy (speech to herself), Juliet laments (complains sadly) that Romeo is a Montague.
- She asks why his name is Romeo and wishes that he could change this. Or, she says, if he cannot give up his Montague name, she will give up her own family name and stop being a Capulet.
- She is frustrated that their family names might keep them apart.

Juliet

'If that thy bent of love be honourable, / Thy purpose marriage, send me word to-morrow.'
- Although they had only met a few hours before, Romeo and Juliet felt love at first sight.
- Juliet tells Romeo that if he feels love for her, like she does for him, he must send word (a message) to her the next day so that they can get married.

Key Quote - Act 2, Scene 3

In Act 2, Scene 3, Friar Laurence says: 'For this alliance may so happy prove, / To turn your households' rancour to pure love.' Here's an analysis of this key quote:

Motives

Although Friar Laurence should not marry the two lovers because they do not have parental permission, he agrees to.
He hopes that their 'alliance' (their marriage) will stop the family feud (argument) between the Montagues and the Capulets.
He hopes to turn their 'rancour' (their hatred) to family love, and stop the fighting and deaths.

Key Quote - Act 2, Scene 6

In Act 2, Scene 6, Friar Laurence says: 'These violent delights have violent ends'. Here's an analysis of this key quote:

Foreshadowing death

This line foreshadows (warns about) Romeo and Juliet’s deaths.
Friar Laurence is trying to warn Romeo that even though his and Juliet’s love has happened very quickly and has been very enjoyable, their deaths could also happen as quickly.
The oxymoron 'violent delights' and repetition of 'violent' highlight his message further.

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

Jump to other topics