Romeo and Juliet, Act 2, Scene 5 summary

What happens

1. Juliet counts three hours since she sends the Nurse away and complains that age makes her messenger slow.
2. The Nurse arrives with Peter, sends him to the gate, and puts off Juliet’s questions by complaining of exhaustion.
3. Juliet repeatedly asks about marriage while the Nurse praises Romeo, describes her pains, and asks about Juliet’s mother.
4. After confirming Juliet has permission for confession, the Nurse sends her to Friar Lawrence’s room, where a husband waits.
5. The Nurse plans to fetch a ladder for Romeo’s nighttime visit, and Juliet leaves eagerly.

In this scene

What to notice

The Nurse finally gives Juliet the news she wants. The scene moves from frustrated waiting to an immediate instruction to go and marry.

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