Act+2+Scene+1

**- Lauren**
//In the previous scene Romeo and Juliet meet at Capulet’s party.// In this scene, Romeo is contemplating about Juliet and he doesn’t want to leave Capulet property so he hides behind the orchard. Meanwhile Mercutio and Benvolio are searching for him. They both still think that Romeo is in love with Rosaline. They then joke about Romeo’s silliness in hope that he could hear them so he would come out. Eventually the two give up and Benvolio suggest that they leave.
 * Scene Summary:**


 * Dramatisation:** There aren’t many props used in this scene. Shakespeare mainly focuses on dialogue rather than actions. The only stage direction mentioned is when Romeo is climbing over the wall just as Benvolio and Mercutio enter. Also, during Mercutio’s speech, Shakespeare uses blank verse. Blank verse was most frequently used in the Renaissance era.

In this scene, Shakespeare uses a variety of different poetic devices. “By her high forehead and scarlet lip, / By her fine foot, straight leg, and quivering thigh,” (lines 20-21) is an example of imagery which Shakespeare uses to describe the appearance of Rosaline. During Mercutio’s speech, dramatic irony is being used. Mercutio’s shouting out to Romeo about Rosaline is an example of this particular poetic device because the audience knows that Romeo is actually in love with Juliet, not Rosaline. Shakespeare also uses a metaphor, “And wish his mistress were that kind of fruit” (line 37) to compare Rosaline to a certain type of fruit that looks like female genitalia. Another poetic device used is allusion, “Young Abraham Cupid, he that shot so trim” (line 15). Shakespeare is referring to Abraham which is a nickname for beggars who pretended to be insane and went around half-naked.
 * Poetic Devices:**

Shakespeare makes reference to the ape and the medlar tree which he uses as an allusion. The ape represents a magic trick where the ape plays dead until brought back to life by its master. The medlar tree represents the small fruit grown on the tree. The fruit would not ready until it is almost rotten.
 * Context Analysis:**

This scene concentrates on Benvolio and Mercutio. Benvolio shows that he is a sensible character. He looks after and cares for his cousin. He shouts out “Romeo! My cousin Romeo! Romeo!” (line 3) while searching for him. This scene brings out Mercutio’s vulgarness. He is very outgoing and loud. His speech makes him appear carefree and unrestricted.
 * Character Analysis:**

It is Sunday evening. This scene is set in a lane by the wall of Capulet’s orchard.
 * Setting:**

The themes shown in this scene are love, lust and friendship. Love is shown when Mercutio and Benvolio both think that Romeo is in love with Rosaline. It was actually a short moment of lust. Friendship is shown when they are caring for Romeo by taking the effort to search for him.
 * Themes:**

In the movie, this scene has been modernised and slightly altered. The Capulet boys are seen driving away from the Capulet house. Romeo suddenly jumps out of the car and runs back towards the house. Mercutio shouts out, calling Romeo to come back.
 * Film Adaption:**

“If love be blind, love cannot hit the mark.” (line 35) – This is Mercutio’s perspective of love. [Theme/Love] “Appear thou in the likeness of a sigh, / Speak but one rhyme, and I am satisfied. / Cry but “Ay me!” pronounce but ‘love’ and ‘dove’.” (lines 10-12) – The audience already knows that Romeo no longer loves Rosaline and has moved on. [Dramatic irony] “Go then, for ‘tis in vain / To seek him here that means not to be found.” (lines 45-46) – Benvolio’s considerate character. “The ape is dead and I must conjure him.” (lines 18) – Shakespeare refers to the Ape. [Allusion]
 * Key Quotes:**


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