Romeo and Juliet: Key Scenes and Plot Analysis
Scene 4: Before the Feast
Romeo, Benvolio, Mercutio, and others from the Montague household make their way to the Capulet feast. With their masks concealing their identities, they resolve to stay for just one dance.
Because Romeo continues to be lovesick for Rosaline, Mercutio teases him for being a stereotypical hopeless lover. Mercutio then delivers his highly imaginative Queen Mab speech, in which he describes how the fairy delivers dreams to humans as they sleep.
The scene concludes with Romeo's sense of foreboding regarding the forthcoming evening.
Scene 5: The Capulet Feast
Romeo and his fellow attendees arrive at the Capulet feast. Romeo sees Juliet and falls in love with her instantly. Tybalt recognizes Romeo and sends for his rapier to kill him. A violent outburst is prevented as Capulet insists on Tybalt's obedience, reminding him of Romeo's good character and the need to keep the peace.
Romeo and Juliet continue their exchanges and kiss, but are interrupted by the Nurse, who sends Juliet to find her mother. Romeo discovers that Juliet is a Capulet, the daughter of his enemy. Juliet also discovers from the Nurse that Romeo is a Montague. Both realize the grave consequences of their love. The feast draws to a close, and Romeo leaves with Benvolio and the others.
Scene 6: The Balcony
Romeo stands in the shadows beneath Juliet's bedroom window. Juliet appears and, thinking she is alone, reveals her love for Romeo in a soliloquy. She despairs over the feud between the two families and the problems it presents. Romeo listens, and when Juliet calls on him to "doff" his name, he steps from the darkness saying, "Call me but love."
After the two exchange expressions of devotion, the Nurse calls Juliet from the balcony. Juliet leaves but returns momentarily. They agree to marry. Juliet promises to send a messenger the next day so that Romeo can tell her what wedding arrangements he has made. The scene concludes as day breaks and Romeo leaves to seek the advice of Friar Laurence.
Scene 7: Friar Laurence's Cell
Romeo arrives at Friar Laurence's cell as day breaks. The Friar is collecting herbs and flowers while he postulates on their powers to medicate and to poison. Romeo tells him of his love for Juliet and asks the Friar to marry them later that day. The Friar is amazed and concerned at the speed with which Romeo has transferred his love from Rosaline to Juliet, but agrees to help the couple in the hope that the marriage might ease the discord between the two families.