Romeo and Juliet, Act 3, Scene 2 summary
Act 3, Scene 2 of 26 · 6 min to read the scene
In Act 3, Scene 2, Juliet waits eagerly for Romeo, but the Nurse brings news that he kills Tybalt and faces banishment, turning her hope into grief. After briefly condemning him, Juliet defends her husband, and the Nurse offers to find him so they can meet that night.
What happens
- Juliet longs for night and Romeo’s arrival as the Nurse enters carrying ropes.
- The Nurse’s confused account makes Juliet think Romeo is dead before she learns that Tybalt dies and Romeo faces banishment.
- Juliet condemns Romeo’s apparent deceit, then rebukes the Nurse for shaming him and defends him as her husband.
- Juliet treats Romeo’s banishment as a greater grief than Tybalt’s death and imagines death taking her husband’s place.
- The Nurse offers to fetch Romeo from Lawrence’s room, and Juliet gives her a ring for him.
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In this scene
What to notice
Juliet answers the Nurse’s challenge by asserting her marriage bond. The question marks her shift from condemning Romeo to defending him.
Quick check
Where does the Nurse say Romeo is hiding?
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