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Romeo and Juliet · Chapter

Scene I explained

Romeo climbs the wall into Capulet's orchard, driven by his love for Juliet.

What happens

Romeo climbs the wall into Capulet's orchard, driven by his love for Juliet. Benvolio and Mercutio search for him, with Mercutio mocking Romeo's lovesickness and making bawdy jokes about Rosaline.

Themes in this chapter

  • Love and Impulse

    Romeo's impulsive leap over the wall shows his reckless devotion to Juliet.

  • Youth and Impetuosity

    Mercutio's playful mockery highlights the youthful, rash behavior of the characters.

Characters to notice

  • Romeo

    Climbs the orchard wall, driven by his heart being with Juliet.

  • Benvolio

    Seeks Romeo and tries to call him back.

  • Mercutio

    Mocks Romeo's lovesickness with bawdy humor and invokes Rosaline.

Key passages

  • “Can I go forward when my heart is here? Turn back, dull earth, and find thy centre out.”

    How can I move forward when my heart is left behind? Turn back, my heavy body, and find your center.

    Romeo expresses his inability to leave Juliet, personifying his body as dull earth seeking its heart.

  • “I conjure thee by Rosaline’s bright eyes, By her high forehead and her scarlet lip, By her fine foot, straight leg and quivering thigh”

    I summon you by Rosaline's bright eyes, her high forehead, red lips, delicate foot, straight leg, and trembling thigh.

    Mercutio mockingly invokes Rosaline's physical attributes to conjure Romeo.

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