Romeo and Juliet, Act 2, Scene 4 summary

What happens

1. Benvolio reports Tybalt’s letter, which Mercutio takes as a duel challenge, and Mercutio describes Tybalt’s precise fighting style.
2. Romeo arrives and trades jokes with Mercutio, who welcomes his return to sociable behavior.
3. The Nurse arrives with Peter, asks for Romeo, and endures Mercutio’s insulting jokes before the friends leave.
4. The Nurse warns Romeo not to deceive her mistress, and he gives instructions for an afternoon marriage.
5. Romeo arranges for his servant to deliver a rope ladder to the Nurse and assures her that he keeps secrets.
6. The Nurse describes her mistress’s dislike of Paris, promises to deliver Romeo’s love, and leaves with Peter.

In this scene

What to notice

Romeo gives the Nurse a concrete marriage plan. Confession provides the stated reason for her mistress to visit the room.

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