Act 2, Prologue Summary

In a sonnet, the Chorus reveals to the audience that Romeo has fallen out of love with Rosaline and is in love with Juliet. It talks about the challenges this new couple will face; however, the lovers, the audience is told, are going to brave it for their love.

Act 2, Prologue Analysis

The prologue reminds the audience of the pivotal events that have already occurred in the play. By doing so, it aims to evoke dramatic suspense in the audience.

Act 2, Scene 1 Summary

After the masquerade, Romeo feels he cannot go home. Hence, he crosses over a wall to enter the Capulets’ garden. Meanwhile, Mercutio and Benvolio enter the stage looking for Romeo. Romeo hides from his friends and does not answer to their calls. Mercutio mocks Romeo about his love for Rosaline using obscene language, and both Mercutio and Benvolio leave.

Act 2, Scene 1 Analysis

As Romeo’s love for Juliet grows, he withdraws from his friends. Romeo is seen waiting in the Capulets’ garden to catch a glimpse of Juliet. As he hears Mercutio and Benvolio approaching, Romeo avoids them by hiding behind a wall. Romeo overhears Mercutio teasing him about Rosaline. He also uses crass, sexual language to tease Romeo, who does not retaliate. The wall here signifies the growing distance between Romeo and the Montagues, as well as between Romeo and his friends. Romeo presently finds himself more drawn to Juliet. As a symbol, the wall also accentuates the contrast between Romeo’s pure and spiritual love for Juliet and Mercutio’s seemingly baser conception of love, signified also by the latter’s use of foul language.

Act 2, Scene 2 Summary

In her balcony, unaware of Romeo’s presence in the garden, Juliet launches into a soliloquy, lamenting the fact that Romeo is a Montague. Romeo, who overhears this, is assured by Juliet’s feelings. He interrupts Juliet, thereby startling her in the process. Romeo and Juliet then confess their love for each other, only to be interrupted by the Nurse. Juliet disappears momentarily. When she reappears, Juliet asks Romeo to propose marriage to her to prove his love. Romeo is happy to oblige, and Juliet asks him to plan their wedding. She disappears once more, but the lovers meet again and spend the rest of the night together, in what is perhaps the play’s most famous scene.

Act 2, Scene 2 Analysis

The garden, in this scene, is more than a secret meeting place; it symbolizes the garden of Eden, and thus the love that blossoms here between Romeo and Juliet is to be seen as pure and spiritual, a love that transcends hatred. In fact, the language Romeo and Juliet use with one another also suggests as much; it also shows their willingness to conclude the feud. Although initially unsure, they both grow confident of overcoming all odds.

Act 2, Scene 3 Summary

Early in the morning, in his chapel garden, Friar Lawrence is seen collecting herbs and flowers. Romeo enters just as the Friar finds himself contemplating the power of these herbs, which, incidentally, can be used for healing as well as poisoning people. Friar Lawrence only knows about Romeo’s affection for Rosaline, so he is surprised when Romeo confesses his love for Juliet and asks him to perform the wedding. Friar Lawrence considers this as an opportunity to put an end to the feud between the Montagues and the Capulets.

Act 2, Scene 3 Analysis

This scene sheds light on the bond between Romeo and Friar Lawrence. It is indeed telling that Romeo confesses his love for Juliet to the Friar, and not to his friends or family. The scene also hints at the tragedy that will befall these young lovers; it indicates to the audience that the Friar’s herb concoction will spell trouble for Romeo and Juliet.

Act 2, Scene 4 Summary

Mercutio and Benvolio are looking for Romeo. They assume he must be preoccupied with thoughts of Juliet. They discuss Tybalt’s decision to challenge Romeo to a duel. Mercutio thinks Tybalt and Romeo are incapable of partaking in a duel, and thus does not take Tybalt’s challenge seriously. When they do find Romeo, Mercutio, unaware of Romeo’s change of heart, is all too pleased to taunt him again. Mercutio and Benvolio leave, as Juliet’s nurse and Peter, a servant at the Capulet household, enter. Romeo asks the Nurse if she can inform Juliet to meet him at the Friar’s cell in the afternoon for their wedding. He also asks her to keep a ladder outside Juliet’s room, so he can climb up to her room and spend their wedding night together.

Act 2, Scene 4 Analysis

The first two acts are set up to provide the audience a vision of the disaster that will eventually befall the couple. It is worth noting that although Mercutio dismisses the possibility of a duel, ironically enough, he will be killed by Tybalt in a duel. Tybalt, in turn, will be killed by Romeo. The scene also sheds light on Romeo’s myopic romanticism: though he is hellbent on marrying Juliet for love, he does not plan for their future together.

Act 2, Scene 5 Summary

Juliet awaits the Nurse’s return, who comes bearing news about Romeo. The Nurse is three hours late, and she teases Juliet by saying she is too tired to give her any news of Romeo. The Nurse relents, but only after getting a back rub from Juliet. After much deliberation, she informs Juliet about the wedding at Friar Lawrence’s chapel. She then leaves to collect a ladder from Romeo’s servant, so Romeo can climb up to Juliet’s chamber at night to consummate their marriage.

Act 2, Scene 5 Analysis

Though this is a short scene, it is pivotal in advancing the plot.

Act 2, Scene 6 Summary

Friar Lawrence and Romeo are at the cell, awaiting Juliet. Romeo is ecstatic to get married to Juliet, and in his euphoric state, he says he does not particularly care about any misfortune that might befall him and Juliet. The much-experienced Friar Lawrence urges Romeo to love moderately. Juliet enters, and Friar Lawrence escorts the young couple to the chapel to get them married.

Act 2, Scene 6 Analysis

This scene focuses on the couple’s euphoric state. Nonetheless, it also foreshadows the couple’s tragic fate. In particular, the Friar’s remark—“these violent delights have violent ends”—serves as a profound premonition. His words also reinforce the power of fate.