Two hints Shakespeare plants in Act II at what lies ahead for Romeo and Juliet are in scene two and three. In scene two, Romeo says, I have night’s cloak to hide me from their sight; and, but thou love me, let them find me here. My life were better ended by their hate than death prorogued, wanting of thy love. In scene three, Friar Lawrence is speaking and says, The grey-ey’d morn smiles on the frowning nightwithin the infant rind of this small flower poison hath residence, and medicine power for this, being smelt, with that part cheers each part; being tasted, slays all senses with the heart When Romeo says, I have night’s cloak to hide me from their sight; and, but thou love me, let them find me here. My life were better ended by their hate than death prorogued, wanting of thy love.
He is telling Juliet that it is far more important to him, to be with her tonight and die, then to live yearning for her. This is an example of foreshadowing because he is saying that it is worth dying than not having Juliet by his side. Another example of foreshadowing is in the beginning of scene three when Friar Lawrence says, The grey-ey’d morn smiles on the frowning nightwithin the infant rind of this small flower poison hath residence, and medicine power for this, being smelt, with that part cheers each part; being tasted, slays all senses with the heart This is foreshadowing because he is speaking about poison, which plays a key role at the end of Romeo and Juliet. The two examples of foreshadowing that Shakespeare plants in Act II, give the audience a little insight into whats going to happen in the future of the story.
Foreshadowing also creates suspense in the story causing viewers to be more attentive. Bibliography:
