Romeo and Juliet​ Act II Study Questions
Scene 1​:
1. What does Mercutio say about “blind love”?
Scene 2​ (Traditionally called “The Balcony Scene” because it takes place on Juliet’s balcony.)
2. When Juliet appears on her balcony, what does Romeo compare her to? What do you think he means by
that?
3. When Juliet leans her cheek on her hand, what does Romeo say?
4. Unaware of his presence, what does Juliet ask Romeo to say?
5. In a sentence or two, explain what Juliet says about names.
6. Juliet asks how Romeo got into her place. The orchard walls are high, and Romeo’s life would be in danger
if her relatives were to find him there. What is Romeo’s response to these questions?
7. Why is Juliet embarrassed?
8. Why does Juliet NOT want Romeo to swear his love on the moon? What does this reveal about her
character? What does it reveal about his, that he wanted to swear by the moon?
9. What plan do the two decide upon by the end of this scene?
10. Based on this scene, what is your opinion of Romeo and Juliet’s characters?
Scene 3​:
11. What has Friar Laurence been out gathering in his basket?
12. Explain lines 21-22: “Virtue itself turns vice, being misapplied,/And vice sometime by action dignified”?
How is he comparing the presence of medicine and poison in the same plant to humanity?
13. Friar Laurence thinks Romeo is still in love with whom? Again, what does this reveal about his character?
14. What does Friar Laurence mean when he says to Romeo, “Young men’s love then lies not truly in their
hearts, but in their eyes? Do you think this applies to Romeo?
15. Although he doubts the seriousness of Romeo’s love, Friar Laurence agrees to perform the marriage
ceremony for Romeo and Juliet for what reason? Do you think he should have?
Scene 4​:
16. According to Mercutio, what kind of man is Tybalt?
17. What concerns does the Nurse have about Romeo?
18. How is Juliet to arrange to meet Romeo?
Scene 5​:
19. This interaction between Juliet and the Nurse is supposed to be funny. What does the nurse do to make
Juliet frustrated?
Scene 6:
20. What does Friar Laurence mean when he says to Romeo and Juliet, “Therefore, love moderately; long love
doth so”?