Act+2+Scene+6

Act 2 Scene 6

 __ Scene Summary __ (In the previous scene, the Nurse returned to Capulet’s orchard to inform Juliet of the arrangements made for her to be married to Romeo that afternoon in Friar Laurence’s cell.) Within Friar Laurence’s cell, on Monday afternoon, the Friar and Romeo await for Juliet’s arrival, so the two will be married. Before her arrival, an overjoyed Romeo boldly exclaims that he does not care what hardship might come, as it will dismiss the happiness he feels at that moment. However, Friar Laurence warns Romeo to love moderately and not with excessive passion. Juliet enters swiftly and Romeo asks her to express her love poetically. Juliet replies that those who can so effortlessly describe their wealth are beggars, for her love is far too abundant to be so simply defined. Both of the lovers then depart with Friar Laurence.

__ Dramatisation __ Included in this scene are very few stage directions. The Friar and Romeo both enter at the beginning of the scene. Midway through the Friar’s speech (lines 9-20); Juliet enters on stage rather quickly to embrace Romeo. At the end of the scene, all three characters exit together. There is no use of props or any relevance to costumes.

__ Poetic Techniques __ These techniques are comprised in this scene: //__ Imagery __//// : // “… And in their triumph die, like fire and powder, Which as they kiss consume.” (Friar Laurence: Lines 10-11) Here we can imagine the situation and understand what has been said. //__ Alliteration __//// : // “…come __with__ me and __we__ __will__ make short __work__.” (Friar Laurence: Line 35) This is used to allow the rhythm to flow. //__ Repetition __//// : // “Amen, amen…” (Romeo: Line 3) and “Come, come…” (Friar Laurence: Line 35) //__ Foreshadowing __//// : // “These violent delights have violent ends And in their triumph die…” (Friar Laurence: Lines 9-10) This tells the audience that the end of the couple’s lives will be rather intense.

__ Context Analysis __ In the Elizabethan Era, people could marry very young. The legal age for boys to marry was fourteen, and girls at twelve. Also, women had little say in the matter and many were forced to marry against their wishes. Families of nobility and wealth married to increase their social reputation and funds, whereas everyone else (from merchants to peasants) were able to marry for love. So, in this sense, Juliet went against all odds and married for love.

__ Character Analysis __ In this scene, the characters are comprised of Friar Laurence, Romeo and Juliet. The Friar seems to be glad for the couple, but is cautious towards Romeo. He states “These violent delights have violent ends… Therefore love moderately. Long love doth so.” Unlike his confused personality in pervious scenes, Romeo is portrayed as one excited, keen, and even boastful young man. As stated previously by the Friar, Romeo is blinded by love and may forget the consequences that may, and do, occur because of their marriage. Juliet enters the scene with haste, and is quite eager and happy about the marriage. She even speaks with wisdom and maturity when she speaks poetically to Romeo.

__ Setting __ This scene is set in Friar Laurence’s cell, in Verona. It is Monday afternoon when this occurs.

__ Themes __ These themes are included in this scene: //__ Love __//// : // “But my true love is grown to such excess I cannot sum up sum of half my wealth.” (Juliet: Lines 33-34) //__ Marriage __//// : // “For, by your leaves, you shall not stay alone Till Holy Church incorporate two into one.” (Friar Laurence: Lines 36-37) //__ Rapidity __//// : // “Come, come with me and we will make short work,” (Friar Laurence: Line 35)

__ Film Adaptation __ This scene does not make an appearance in the film. However, when Romeo is standing at the altar alongside Juliet, some lines of the Friar’s speech from the text are incorporated in the marriage ceremony. Also, throughout the marriage scene in the film, the Nurse, Peter and Balthasar are present. According to the text, even though the actual ceremony is not included, it takes place with only Romeo, Juliet and Friar Laurence.

__ Key Quotes __
 * “These violent delights have violent ends And in their triumph die, like fire and powder, Which as they kiss consume.” – (Friar Laurence: Lines 9-11) The Friar warns Romeo to love reasonably and not to a large extent.
 * “So smile the heavens upon this holy act That after-hours with sorrow chide us not.” – (Friar Laurence: Lines 1-2) The Friar exclaims that after this holy act, that no sorrow can make them regret what they have done.
 * “They are but beggars that can count their worth” – (Juliet: Line 32) Juliet states that those who are able to count their wealth are beggars.

Ashlee Green