Analysis The scene contains some of the more recognizable and memorable passages in all of Shakespeare. Here, in the famous balcony scene, Romeo and Juliet reveal their love to each other, and at Juliet’s suggestion, they plan to marry. Shakespeare uses light and dark imagery in this scene to describe […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act II: Scene 2Summary and Analysis Act II: Scene 1
Analysis In this scene, Romeo begins a separation from his friends that continues throughout the play. His inability to reveal his love of a Capulet heightens his isolation. By leaping the wall surrounding the Capulet orchard, Romeo physically separates himself from Mercutio and Benvolio — a separation that reflects the […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act II: Scene 1Summary and Analysis Act II: Prologue
Analysis The opening lines of the Prologue address the speed with which Romeo and Juliet have fallen in love, while poking fun at the way Romeo has abandoned his pursuit of Rosaline. The Prologue does little to enhance the story and is often omitted when the play is performed. Many […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act II: PrologueSummary and Analysis Act I: Scene 5
Analysis The theme of youth versus old age is again evident in this scene through Capulet’s interaction with his guests and relatives, particularly Tybalt. The reminiscence with his cousin about the masques they danced in as young men emphasizes his position within the play as an old man past his […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act I: Scene 5Summary and Analysis Act I: Scene 4
The scene concludes with Romeo’s sense of foreboding at the forthcoming evening: for my mind misgives Some consequence, yet hanging in the stars, Shall bitterly begin his fearful date With this night’s revels. Analysis Mercutio acts in contrast to the lovestruck Romeo and the peaceful Benvolio — he is a […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act I: Scene 4Summary and Analysis Act I: Scene 3
Analysis This scene introduces Juliet on stage and explores the theme of youth versus old age and the difference in attitudes between The Nurse, Lady Capulet, and Juliet towards love and marriage. The Nurse’s uninhibited attitude towards sex is contrasted with Lady Capulet’s reserved discussion of Juliet’s proposed marriage to […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act I: Scene 3Summary and Analysis Act I: Scene 2
Analysis Paris and Capulet’s discussion of Juliet’s age in the beginning of this scene continues another of the play’s resounding themes: youth versus old age. In the world of the feud, the older generation’s conflicts and bids for power control the destinies of their children without much apparent thought for […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act I: Scene 2Summary and Analysis Act I: Scene 1
Analysis A spirited exchange of vulgar jokes between servants opens the play and immediately links sex with conflict. In their bawdy quarrel, the servants’ references to “tool” and “naked weapon,” together with repeated images of striking and thrusting, illustrate how images of love and sex are intertwined with violence and […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act I: Scene 1Summary and Analysis Act I: Prologue
Analysis The prologue is also a sonnet, a popular form of 16th-century love poem that often explored such themes as love in conflict. Shakespeare chooses this poetic form to outline the play’s main issues of love and feuding and to present another major theme: how true love ultimately triumphs because […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Act I: PrologueCharacter List
Romeo Montague’s son, who is loved and respected in Verona. He is initially presented as a comic lover, with his inflated declarations of love for Rosaline. After meeting Juliet, he abandons his tendency to be a traditional, fashionable lover, and his language becomes intense, reflecting his genuine passion for Juliet. […]
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