At the beginning of this scene, Shakespeare “sets the stage”
by having the characters tell what the weather is like. How
does the weather seem to breed trouble?
Who renews the quarrel between
the families? Why?
Which character tries to be the
peacemaker?
Why does Romeo refuse Tybalt’s first
challenge?
Why does Mercutio say “a plague on
both your houses!”?
Why does Romeo finally assume
personal responsibility for avenging
Mercutio’s death?
Why does Romeo call himself
fortune’s fool?
What decree does Prince Escalus
make?
Describe the emotional roller
coaster Juliet is on as she
comes to understand the
nurse’s news.
How do we know Juliet will remain
true to Romeo?
How does Romeo react to his
banishment?
Of what faults does the friar accuse
Romeo?
What does the friar say to ease
Romeo’s desperation?
According to the friar, what steps
must be taken to safeguard Romeo?
Compare
Capulet’s
present
attitude to
that of his
first interview
with Paris.
What is Lady
Capulet’s
attitude
toward
Juliet’s
defiance?
What is
Capulet’s
reaction to
Juliet’s stand?
What advice does the nurse give
Juliet? How does Juliet react?
What does Juliet plan to do now?