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Romeo and Juliet – Discussion Questions
Act II.i 1. Summarize this brief scene. What is the purpose of this scene?

* Romeo decides to go seek Juliet – jumps wall into Capulet compound * Benvolio and Mercutio look for Romeo – Mercutio makes obscene jokes about Romeo’s love * Benvolio and Mercutio give up and leave * In the beginning of scene ii, we learn that Romeo hears them but says they don’t understand because they have never loved

Act II.ii 1. According to Romeo, why is the moon “sick and pale with grief?”

* The moon is sick with grief because the moon is not as beautiful as Juliet, who Romeo compares with the sun; * “That thou her maid art far more fair than she.” (I ii 5-6).

2. How do Romeo and Juliet feel about their respective last names? Provide textual evidence for each.
Romeo:
* Romeo says that if Juliet will love him, he will cease to be Romeo Montague: ““Call me but love, and I’ll be new baptized:/Henceforth, I never will be Romeo.” (I ii 49-50) * He says his name is hateful to him: “My name, dear saint is hateful to myself/Because it is an enemy to thee.” (I ii 54-55)
Juliet:
* Juliet says that she wishes Romeo would deny his heritage and no longer be a Montague; she in turn would no longer be a Capulet. She says that Romeo’s name only is her enemy. * “’Tis but thy name that is my enemy.”

3. Why isn’t Romeo afraid to tell Juliet how he feels? * Because Romeo, when hidden, hears Juliet speak of loving him, calling him perfect: * “Retain that dear perfection which he owes without that title…Take all myself.” (I ii 45-48)

4. Who is more impulsive, Romeo or Juliet? Provide textual support. * Romeo is more impulsive. Juliet says things are moving too quickly and worries that Romeo does