Question

Act II, Scene ii opens with a series of soliloquies before Romeo and Juliet speak to each other. What is the best description of the effect these soliloquies have on the scene? The soliloquies make the entire scene feel more realistic. The soliloquies make the balcony scene more tragic. The soliloquies create a romantic, intimate mood. The soliloquies suggest that the scene is not real, but only a dream.

Answer 1

The soliloquies create a romantic, intimate mood.

Answer 2

Answer:

The answer is indeed C) The soliloquies create a romantic, intimate mood.

Explanation:

A soliloquy takes place when characters speak their thoughts out loud, usually believing they are alone and, therefore, not being heard. In the famous Shakespearean tragedy "Romeo and Juliet", those very characters fall in love with each other even though they come from rival families.

In Act II, scene II, Romeo begins to speak to himself as he sees Juliet up in a balcony. His soliloquy expresses how romantic his feelings are toward her; he talks of her beauty and innocence, claims the moon envies Juliet, and her eyes shine brighter than the stars. Juliet also begins to speak her thoughts, not knowing Romeo is listening. She expresses her love for him as well, and wishes he would change or let go of his name (his family) so that the two of them can be together. As we can see, their soliloquies are romantic, and end up creating more intimacy between the characters. After hearing Juliet's thoughts, Romeo talks to her, saying his love for her is enough to make him face her family.