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What happens in Act 2, Scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet?
In this scene, which is often described as “the balcony scene,” Romeo stands below Juliet's balcony they profess their love for each other. Juliet promises to send a messenger the next day to make sure Romeo is serious about marriage.
Read our Summary & Analysis of the Prologue to Act 2 and Act 2, Scenes 1 & 2. (4-minute read)
Why is the balcony scene of Romeo and Juliet so famous?
As the Analysis discussion of our Summary & Analysis feature states, “Act 2 stands out as the happiest and least tragic act in the play.” In Scene 2 of Act 2, Shakespeare gives us some of the most beautiful and evocative poetry in all his writings to explore the joyous and romantic aspects of young love. It offers alternating quotes by the lovers that are instantly recognizable. While Romeo and Juliet are destined to die at the end of the play, their words in the balcony scene prove to be immortal.
Are any of the key themes of Romeo and Juliet evident in the balcony scene?
The Forcefulness of Love in relation to the obstacles in its path is a core theme of the play. This theme is set fully in motion by the occurrences and Romeo and Juliet’s speeches in Act 2, Scene 2. Love’s power is portrayed as a liberating force that sets the lovers apart from everyone else (and at least temporarily) puts them above the troubles in Verona, which seem especially petty in comparison.
Read about The Forcefulness of Love as a Theme of the play. (2-minute read)
Read about two Act 2, Scene 2 quotes on The Forcefulness of Love as a Theme. (3-minute read)
Are any of the key motifs of Romeo and Juliet employed in the balcony scene?
Light/Dark imagery is perhaps the most enduring of the play’s recurring motifs, and it appears in Act 2, Scene 2 during Romeo’s lengthy meditation on the sun and the moon. Using a metaphor, Romeo describes Juliet as the sun driving away the “envious moon” and turning night into day.
Read more about Light/Dark Imagery as a key Motif in the play. (1-minute read)
