"After the party, Romeo hides from his friends by climbing over the Capulets' orchard wall."
"Mercutio mocks and teases his unseen friend, but to no avail."
" "
"*COMMENTARY"
"Again we see Mercutio's bawdy, imaginative character."
"His words are also filled with dramatic irony, as the audience realise what he does not, that Romeo has already forgotten Rosaline."
"*See Language (Notes Menu) for an explanation of Dramatic Irony."
10
"*scene ii"
" "
"In Capulet's garden, Romeo watches as Juliet appears on her balcony, and muses to herself about her new love."
"Romeo steps forward and reveals himself, and the two openly discuss their love for each other."
" "
"Although Juliet fears that their love is"
"*too rash, too unadvised, too sudden,"
"she seems convinced of Romeo's sincerity. She suggests marriage."
" "
"Their conversation is interrupted by the Nurse's calling, but not before Juliet has arranged to send a messenger to Romeo."
4
"*COMMENTARY (scene ii)"
" "
"Another important scene."
"*See Key Scenes"
10
"*scene iii"
" "
"Early in the morning, Friar Lawrence is collecting herbs for medicinal use."
"He comments that, as in man, herbs have both good and bad sides, depending on how they are used."
" "
"Romeo arrives, and tells the Friar of his new love for Juliet. Friar Lawrence is amazed at the sudden change in his friend."
"Somewhat reluctantly, he agrees to perform the marriage, commenting that perhaps the alliance will"
"*turn your households' rancour to pure love."
" "
"He warns Romeo of the dangers of proceeding too quickly."
8
"*COMMENTARY (scene iii)"
" "
"Friar Lawrence is the last of the major characters to be introduced. He is a wise and cautious man, and a true friend to Romeo."
"His knowledge of herbs and medicines, mentioned here has greater importance later in the play."
" "
"Notice the change in Romeo, now. His love for Juliet is more positive, and his character much more alive than when he was moping about under the spell of Rosaline."
"This scene also confirms his impatient, impetuous nature. He is unlikely to heed the Friar's warning"
"*Wisely and slow, they stumble that run fast."
7
"*scene iv"
" "
"Mercutio and Benvolio reveal that Tybalt has challenged Romeo to a duel. Mercutio mocks Tybalt's ability."
"The new, cheerful Romeo arrives, and takes on Mercutio in a match of verbal wit."
" "
"The Nurse comes to seek Romeo. He tells her to make sure Juliet comes to Friar Lawrence's cell that afternoon to be married."
"He also arranges for her to collect a rope ladder, so that he can have access to Juliet's room."
9
"*COMMENTARY (scene iv)"
" "
"Mercutio rejoices to his friend"
"*Now art thou Romeo!"
"and indeed, we marvel at the change in him."
"He is now bubbling over with self-confidence and joy. He shows a ready wit, which is even a match for the mercurial Mercutio."
"After the heady word-play of Romeo and Mercutio, a more down-to-earth humour is provided by the Nurse."
" "
"This scene also moves the plot along by pushing nearer the marriage of Romeo and Juliet, and by preparing us for further violent action on the part of Tybalt."
10
"*scene v"
" "
"Juliet waits impatiently for the return of the Nurse."
"Her suspense is teasingly prolonged by the Nurse, who at first refuses to tell her Romeo's message."
" "
"At last the Nurse relents, to Juliet's joy, and they make plans for that night."
" "
"*COMMENTARY"
"A time-filling scene, before the marriage."
"The close relationship between Juliet and the Nurse is shown, as is Juliet's impatient character."
8
"*scene vi"
" "
"Romeo and Friar Lawrence wait at the latter's cell for the arrival of Juliet."
"Friar Lawrence again cautions against the haste with which things are proceeding"
"*These violent delights have violent ends."
" "
"Juliet arrives, and Friar Lawrence leads the young lovers to be married."
" "
8
"*COMMENTARY (scene vi)"
" "
"This is a short scene, but it contains some important ideas."
"Notice the imagery used by Friar Lawrence in his warning against excessive haste."
" "
"Notice also, the premonitions of both Romeo and Friar Lawrence, that their course of action may lead to some fearful consequences."
" "
"The scene also has a delightful description by Juliet of her great love for Romeo."
