The Intensity of the Newfound Love Between Romeo and Juliet in Act 2 Scene 2

The Intensity of the Newfound Love

Between Romeo and Juliet in Act 2 Scene 2

At the beginning of Act 2, Scene 2, Romeo climbs over the wall of the

Capulet residence and into the orchard.This is a risk in itself as

Montagues' are sworn enemies of Capulets', and if Romeo is

discovered,he will surely be killed. Juliet reminds him of this later

on, but he just replies,

"Alack, there lies more peril in thine eye

Than twenty of their swords!Look thou but sweet,

And I am proof against their emnity." (Lines 71 - 73)

So we learn that he is willing to give up his life if only Juliet

would say she loved him.

He also chose Juliet over his friends, as he left the group to see

her. Romeo begins to speak of his love for Juliet when he sees her on

the balcony of her room. Juliet does not know Romeo is below her

balcony as she has too much on her mind. Romeo calls Juliet, "bright

angel" (Line 26) and "winged messenger of heaven" which shows he

thinks her of a goddess and also shows how intense his love is for

her.

Juliet begins to speak of Romeo and we learn that the fact Romeo is a

Montague and that their families do not get on is the reason why she

is unsure of their love,"Deny thy father, and refuse thy name." (Line

34).

Romeo and Juliet's private thoughts both show the intensity of their

feelings for one another, and how strong their love is.

Juliet does not wish him to swear his devotion by the moon as its

position changes every month, so his love may not be reliable,

"Do not swear at all;

Or if thou wilt, swear by thy gracious self,

Which is the god of my idolatry,

And I'll believe thee." (Line...

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...y and was easier to

understand. The scene was more realistic and more engaging than the

Zeffirelli film. I felt the humour added in with Romeo making a racket

and the Nurse at the end, made the scene more enjoyable. I, as the

audience, felt involved in the film as I knew Romeo was on the trellis

and Juliet didn't. The near miss with the guard had my class holding

their breath hoping no harm would come to the pair. Even though a lot

of the text was cut out, the story still shone through and I feel this

was perhaps better as the scene did not drag on like Zeffirelli's. I

thought the intonation in Baz Luhrman's made the scene come to life

and did not sound like actors reciting lines.

I feel that people of my age may be inclined to read more Shakespeare

after viewing this film, as it was more relevant to today's society.