Romeo and Juliet - Key Quotes

Romeo and Juliet - Key Quotes 

O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?” (Act 2. Scene 2.33)

In this quote, Juliet is questioning why Romeo is a Montague.  She doesn’t realize that he is actually below her in the orchard but she is despairing that their families are unlikely to approve their marriage because of their different backgrounds.  The tension around family and social identity is a recurring theme in this play and central to the feud between the Montagues and Capulets.

"Good Night, Good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow." (Act 2. Scene 2.185)

 Here, Juliet is saying goodbye and expressing her sadness at being away from Romeo but she describes it as ‘sweet sorrow’ as when they next meet, it will be for their wedding.  It is important to remember that many scenes in this play are set either late at night or very early in the morning.

"But, soft, what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun!"…