Romeo and Juliet Act 2 Scene 2 Analysis - Romeo's Speech
Romeo replies to Juliet’s speech by agreeing to disown his name “Henceforth, I never will be Romeo”.
Shakespeare implies the danger that the lovers are in when Juliet points out “the place death, considering who thou art”. This creates tension for the audience, and demonstrates Juliet’s concern for Romeo’s safety – “If they do see thee, they will murder thee.”
Romeo speaks metaphorically when he says “With love’s light wings did I o’erperch these walls”, suggesting there is no boundary to his love.
Romeo claims to find the idea of his death preferable to a life without the love of Juliet, “My life were better ended by their hate than death proroguèd, wanting of thy love.”
Juliet admits to be blushing “the mask of night is on my face, else would a maiden blush bepaint my cheek” and asks, “Dost thou love me?” She goes on to express concern that she may have been too forward in her soliloquy asking him to forgive her for her foolishness “Therefore pardon me, and not impute this yielding to light love”.
Romeo declares his love by “yonder blèssed moon” using celestial references. Juliet responds by refusing to allow Romeo to swear by something so changeable “O swear not by the moon, th’ inconstant moon”. She fears that it is the way their love will be “Lest that thy love prove likewise variable”.
Juliet encourages him to be genuine and to use a less traditional, more spiritual concept of love, reinforcing the idea that she is taking the relationship seriously.
Juliet then tries to say goodnight “Sweet, good night. This bud of love, by summer’s ripening breath, may prove a beauteous flower when next we meet.” She then uses a rhyming couplet, “as sweet repose and rest come to thy heart as that within my breast.” Romeo expresses his wish to prolong their time together “O, wilt thou leave me so unsatisfied?” but they part as Juliet’s nurse calls her and they agree to meet again. “Stay but a little. I will come again” as they make a commitment to each
Shakespeare implies the danger that the lovers are in when Juliet points out “the place death, considering who thou art”. This creates tension for the audience, and demonstrates Juliet’s concern for Romeo’s safety – “If they do see thee, they will murder thee.”
Romeo speaks metaphorically when he says “With love’s light wings did I o’erperch these walls”, suggesting there is no boundary to his love.
Romeo claims to find the idea of his death preferable to a life without the love of Juliet, “My life were better ended by their hate than death proroguèd, wanting of thy love.”
Juliet admits to be blushing “the mask of night is on my face, else would a maiden blush bepaint my cheek” and asks, “Dost thou love me?” She goes on to express concern that she may have been too forward in her soliloquy asking him to forgive her for her foolishness “Therefore pardon me, and not impute this yielding to light love”.
Romeo declares his love by “yonder blèssed moon” using celestial references. Juliet responds by refusing to allow Romeo to swear by something so changeable “O swear not by the moon, th’ inconstant moon”. She fears that it is the way their love will be “Lest that thy love prove likewise variable”.
Juliet encourages him to be genuine and to use a less traditional, more spiritual concept of love, reinforcing the idea that she is taking the relationship seriously.
Juliet then tries to say goodnight “Sweet, good night. This bud of love, by summer’s ripening breath, may prove a beauteous flower when next we meet.” She then uses a rhyming couplet, “as sweet repose and rest come to thy heart as that within my breast.” Romeo expresses his wish to prolong their time together “O, wilt thou leave me so unsatisfied?” but they part as Juliet’s nurse calls her and they agree to meet again. “Stay but a little. I will come again” as they make a commitment to each