The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet

The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet

Act II

page 832

Blank Verse:

• unrhymed poetry written in a meter called iambic pentameter.

• Five stressed syllables, each proceeded by an unstresed syllable.

• Formal meter to reinforce character rank.

• Important or aristocratic characters typically speak in blank verse.

• It has an impact on the tone and mood of the character's interactions.

Prologue

• Romeo has fallen out of love with Rosaline, and now he is in love with Juliet.

Scene i. Near Capulet's orchard

• Romeo has run away from his friends, and they decide not to find someone who does not wish to be found.

Scene ii. Capulet's orchard

page 837

• This is the beginning of the famous “balcony scene” - one of the most famous scenes in all of Shakespeare's plays.

• First, he says that Juliet's beauty is so great that she lights up the world, as the sun does when it rises. Then he says that even the moon is envious of her, the way the moon might be envious of the brighter, “fairer” sun.

• Romeo sees Juliet at the balcony.

• Juliet suggests that either Romeo reject the name Montague, or Juliet reject the name Capulet.

• Juliet seems to think that their differences define them. (their last names)

• She implies that if she or Romeo were to take different names, they would change their identities and thus be allowed to love each other in peace.

• Romeo says that he hates his name because his name is Juliet's enemy.

• Juliet says that her loving and bold comments to Romeo should make her embarrassed or ashamed, but the excitement of the night – along with the depth of her emotion- excuses her behavior. Juliet is unashamed.

• The moon changes throughout the month and if he swears by the moon, his love might also prove to be changeable.

• Juliet wishes she could call softly, like a falconer to his bird, and Romeo would come back to her as willingly.

• Romeo and Juliet are trying to find reasons to keep from having to say good night.

• They decide to marry the next day at 9:00 am.

Scene iii. Friar Lawrence's cell.

• The Friar is collecting plants of different kinds, both poisonous and beneficial.

• The Friar believes that things found in the natural world can be used for either good or evil.

• The sun is rising. The Friar must gather herbs both poisonous and beneficial. Even the most poisonous herbs have fore virtue, and even the most beneficial herbs, if overused are harmful. Some plants contain both good and ill. It is the same in man; and if the worse is predominant then it eats up the soul.

Scene IV, A Street

• Tybalt has sent

...