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Romeo and Juliet: Act II Study Guide
Scene 1
1. Act II, Scene 1, starts with another sonnet spoken by the chorus. According the sonnet, how
has Romeo’s life changed? What problem do Romeo and Juliet have?
He met a girl who likes him back. BUT their families are enemies, so they can’t be together.
2. When Mercutio and Benvolio cannot find Romeo after the party, how does Mercutio call for
Romeo? What does Benvolio think of this tactic?
Mercutio mocks Romeo by yelling out hot features of Rosaline, but Benvolio thinks that Romeo
is going to get mad.
3. What does Benvolio realize about Romeo? What does this show about Benvolio’s character?
Romeo doesn’t want to be found, which shows that Benvolio knows Romeo really well and cares
about Romeo’s feelings.
Scene 2
4. In scene 2, Romeo’s first line is “He jests at scars that never felt a wound” (II.ii.1). Who is the
he and why does Romeo say this?
Mercutio is joking about Rosaline, and Romeo is over Rosaline. Now she means NOTHING to
him.
5. Romeo enters the Capulet’s orchard and sees Juliet on her balcony. What does he compare
Juliet to? What does he want to do?
He compares Juliet to the sun, the stars (her eyes), and an angel. Romeo admits that he wants to
touch her face—to be close to her (like a glove).
6. Before Juliet knows that Romeo is in the orchard, she talks to herself about him. What does
she want Romeo to do? What will she do if he refuses?
Juliet wants Romeo to change his last name so he isn’t a Montague. If he doesn’t do that, she is
willing to give up her last name…a very big deal!
7. How does Juliet react when she first hears Romeo cry out that he will give up his name? What
is she concerned about?
She is embarrassed because she didn’t know he was there listening to her. She is concerned that
he will get caught in her yard.
8. Romeo asks for Juliet’s love in line 127, and Juliet explains that she already gave him her love
when she was talking earlier, before she knew he was there. Why does Juliet want to give her
love again?
She wants to show that she is loyal. Also, she wants to say it to his face b/c she didn’t know he
was in her yard hearing her. Plus, she really loves him, and the more she says she loves him, her
love increases.
9. Why does Juliet keep returning to her balcony? What does this show about her love for
Romeo?
She wants to see him, and she almost seems obsessed. Their love is never-ending, and she
doesn’t want to leave him.
10. At the end of scene 2, what are Romeo and Juliet’s plans?
They plan to get married, and Romeo will get her info about the wedding tomorrow. He needs to
go see Friar Lawrence (like a priest).
Scene 3
11. Romeo goes to see Friar Lawrence. Why does he go to see the Friar?
So the Friar can marry Romeo and Juliet.
12. How does the Friar react when Romeo tells him about his love for Juliet?
He becomes a little upset and shocked b/c he thought Romeo was so in love w/Rosaline just
yesterday. Friar thinks Romeo just loves how the girls look, not for who they are.
13. What does Friar Lawrence think Romeo and Juliet’s marriage will do?
He changes his mind about the relationship b/c the marriage might end the feud between
Montagues and Capulets.
Scene 4 Summary: Mercutio and Benvolio, looking for Romeo, reveal that Tybalt will
challenge Romeo to a duel. They fear that their lovesick friend is in no state for a fight with
Tybalt, who is a talented swordsman. Romeo enters, and Mercutio teases him about his behavior
last night, when they couldn’t find him anywhere. Romeo becomes defensive and does not tell
his friends where he was. Next, the nurse and her servant enter. She is looking for Romeo.
Mercutio, who does not know about Romeo and Juliet’s relationship, insults the Nurse. Mercutio
and Benvolio leave, and the Nurse asks Romeo if his love for Juliet is true. He assures her that it
is and tells her to have Juliet come to Friar Lawrence’s cell that afternoon to be married.
Scene 5
14. Juliet waits for the Nurse to return with news from Romeo. When the Nurse enters Juliet’s
room, how does the Nurse act? What does this show about her willingness to share Romeo’s
news?
The Nurse acts tired/exhausted, complains of pain, and stalls, which shows that she wants to test
Juliet’s love for Romeo.
15. How does Juliet react to the Nurse?
Juliet becomes demanding, tries sweet talking, and is even sassy.
16. Once the Nurse finally gives Juliet the news from Romeo, what does Juliet do? (HINT: Look
at line 70-71.)
Juliet blushes.
Scene 6 Summary: Romeo is at Friar Lawrence’s cell. The friar cautions the young man that the
intensity of his love will lead to no good. When Juliet enters, Romeo urges her to describe the
extent of their love. Juliet replies that fancy words are unable to do justice to the substance of her
love. The friar quickly leads them off to be married.