1. Learn how to analyze Romeo and Juliet's soliloquies.

SCENE ANALYSIS

Step 1) Read the scene, what do you think is happening in the scene?

In the scene Romeo climbs the Capulet family's garden wall, and sees Juliet alone on her balcony. He speaks out loud about his love for her, by comparing her to the sun and stars. Unaware that Romeo is nearby, Juliet sighs and speaks her feelings of love out loud. She despairs over the feud between their families, and declares that Romeo's family name doesn't matter to her.

Step 2) Re-read the scene, which themes do you think are present in this scene?

Love: "O, that I were a glove upon that hand, That I might touch that cheek!"

Family: "Deny thy father and refuse thy name"

Conflict: "'Tis but thy name that is my enemy"

Fate: "Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven, Having some business, do entreat her eyes, To twinkle in their spheres till they return."

Step 3) Read the scene a third time, how does Romeo describe Juliet? Write down or underline any words or phrases that stand out to you.

"It is the east, and Juliet is the sun."

"Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven, Having some business, do entreat her eyes, To twinkle in their spheres till they return."

"The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars, As daylight doth a lamp"

"Her eye in heaven Would, through the airy region, stream so bright That birds would sing, and think it were not night."

Step 4) What words can you find that are associated with light? Write them down!

Sun, moon, stars, daylight, lamp...

Step 5) Shakespeare uses natural imagery to show how Romeo feels about Juliet. What does this tell us about his feelings for Juliet? Consider what Romeo compares Juliet to.

JULIET'S SOLILOQUY

Now read the rest of the scene, focusing on Juliet's soliloquy.

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