# Scene VI explained — Romeo and Juliet

> Chapter companion for Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

Romeo and Juliet meet at Friar Laurence's cell to be secretly married. Romeo expresses that no sorrow can outweigh the joy of being with Juliet, while Friar Laurence warns of the dangers of violent passions. Juliet arrives, and they exchange vows of love before the Friar leads them to be wed.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Impulse

Romeo and Juliet's hasty marriage reflects the impulsive, all-consuming nature of their love, ignoring Friar Laurence's caution.

### Fate and Free Will

Romeo's defiance of 'love-devouring death' and Friar Laurence's warning about violent ends highlight the tension between their choices and the tragic fate looming over them.

## Character check-ins

### Romeo

Eager to marry Juliet, dismisses potential sorrow as insignificant compared to his joy.

### Juliet

Arrives at the cell, expresses her love is too vast to be counted.

### Friar Laurence

Performs the secret wedding, warns Romeo that violent delights have violent ends.

## Key lines

> These violent delights have violent ends

Intense pleasures often lead to intense destruction.

_Friar Laurence warns Romeo that their passionate love may end in tragedy._

> I cannot sum up sum of half my wealth

I cannot even count half of my happiness.

_Juliet says her love is so immense it cannot be measured._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romeo_and_juliet_se/chapters/act-ii-scene-vi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romeo_and_juliet_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/romeo_and_juliet_se/chapters