Romeo & Juliet Exam Question: Romeo's feelings towards Juliet
<p>A model answer for the past paper question about the Romeo’s feelings for Juliet. Includes relevant quotes and a detailed analysis of the character.</p>
<p>Read the following extract from Act 2 Scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet and then answer the<br />
question that follows.<br />
At this point in the play, Romeo is in the Capulets’ orchard beneath Juliet’s window.<br />
She doesn’t know Romeo is there.<br />
ROMEO<br />
But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?<br />
It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.<br />
Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,<br />
Who is already sick and pale with grief<br />
That thou, her maid, art far more fair than she.<br />
Be not her maid, since she is envious;<br />
Her vestal livery is but sick and green,<br />
And none but fools do wear it; cast it off.</p>
<p>[JULIET appears aloft as at a window.]</p>
<p>It is my lady, O it is my love:<br />
O that she knew she were!<br />
She speaks, yet she says nothing; what of that?<br />
Her eye discourses, I will answer it.<br />
I am too bold, ’tis not to me she speaks:<br />
Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven,<br />
Having some business, do entreat her eyes<br />
To twinkle in their spheres till they return.<br />
What if her eyes were there, they in her head?<br />
The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars,<br />
As daylight doth a lamp; her eyes in heaven<br />
Would through the airy region stream so bright<br />
That birds would sing and think it were not night.<br />
See how she leans her cheek upon her hand!<br />
O that I were a glove upon that hand,<br />
That I might touch that cheek!</p>
<p>Starting with this speech, explore how Shakespeare presents Romeo’s feelings towards Juliet. Write about:</p>
<p>• how Shakespeare presents Romeo’s feelings towards Juliet in this speech<br />
• how Shakespeare presents Romeo’s feelings towards Juliet in the play as a whole.</p>
<p>[30 marks]<br />
AO4 [4 marks]</p>