Scene 3
English Lit: AQA GCSE Romeo & Juliet, topic 2.3.2
Summary of Act 2, Scene 3
Here's a summary of what happens in Act 2, Scene 3:
Romeo's confession
- In Scene 3, Romeo visits Friar Laurence to talk about Juliet.
- Friar Laurence says that Romeo looks like he hasn’t slept the night before – he asks if Romeo was with Rosaline.
- Romeo tells Friar Laurence that he is in love with Juliet and wants to marry her.
Friar Laurence's shock
- Friar Laurence says he is shocked. He says he is worried that Romeo has moved on from one love quickly to another.
- Friar Laurence does not take Romeo’s feelings for Juliet seriously. He tells Romeo that young men do not take love seriously and only fall in love with appearances.
Friar Laurence agrees
- Romeo tries to convince Friar Laurence that his feelings for Juliet are genuine. He says that Juliet loves him back (which Rosaline did not).
- Friar Laurence eventually agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet.
- Friar Laurence believes that their marriage will join the Montague and Capulet families and stop the family feud (fight) once and for all.
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.
Test yourself on Scene 3
Summary of Act 2, Scene 3
Who does Romeo visit in Act 2, Scene 3?
Why does Friar Laurence not take Romeo's feelings for Juliet seriously?
Why does Friar Laurence eventually agree to marry Romeo and Juliet?
Who does Friar Laurence think Romeo was with the night before, when Romeo comes to visit Friar Laurence in Act 2, Scene 3?