Romeo and Juliet Quotes

That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet. Juliet to Romeo, the balcony scene where they are talking about how their names are enemies. It means that a name means nothing because the actual thing will be the same no matter what it is called.
O, swear not by the moon, th’ inconstant moon, that monthly changesin her circled orb, lest that thy love prove likewise variable. Juliet to Romeo, the balcony scene when they are talking about marriage. It means that the moon is not very consistent, so if you swear by it, the promise won’t be kept.
Love goes toward love as schoolboys from their books, but love from love, toward school with heavy looks. Romeo to Juliet, right when Juliet is being called by the nurse to come in from the balcony. It means that if the love is meant to be, they will meet again.
How silver-sweet sound lovers’ tongues by night, like softest music to attending ears. Romeo to Juliet, after Juliet comes back to the balcony. It means that their love sounds like music to his ears.
Good night, good night. Parting is such sweet sorrow that I shall say “Good night” till it be morning. Juliet to Romeo, as Romeo leaves Juliet’s balcony. It means that even though they are saying good bye, it is not for forever, it is just until the morning of the next day.
Thy head is as full of quarrels as an egg is full of meat… Mercutio to Benvolio, as they are walking through town on the hot day. It means that people are always looking for a fight, especially enemies.
’tis not so deep as a well, nor so wide as a church door, but ’tis enough. ‘Twill serve. Mercutio to Romeo/Benvolio, Mercutio has just been stabbed fatally by Tybalt. It means that even though the wound is not that big, it is bad enough to kill him.
A plague o’ both your houses! Mercutio to Romeo (directly)/ Montagues and Capulets (indirectly), Mercutio is about to die because of his fatal wound caused by Tybalt. Mercutio is cursing both houses because their quarrels led to his death.
Gallop apace, you fiery-footed steeds… Juliet to herself, she is on her balcony waiting for Romeo to come. It means that Juliet wants the sun gods to hurry their horses so it will be night quickly and she can have Romeo again.
Wilt thou be gone? It is not yet near day. It was the nightingale, and not the lark, that piereced the fearful hollow of thine ear. Juliet to Romeo, Romeo has just been banished from Verona but Juliet does not want him to leave quite yet. It means that the lark has not sung yet, meaning it is not morning so Romeo still has time left with Juliet.
A pair of star-crossed lovers… Chorus to Audience, prologue. It means two lovers that were fated to be together.
…sad hours seem long. Romeo to Benvolio, after Romeo has been morning over the fact that Rosaline does not love him back. It means he feels sorry for himself and that time is going very slow because he is sad.
Alas that love, so gentle in his view, should be so tyrannous and rough in proof! Benvolio to Romeo, after Romeo expresses his sadness about Rosaline. It means that love is being very hard on Romeo, however Benvolio is making fun of Romeo.
…I will make thee think thy swan a crow. Benvolio to Romeo, before the go to the Capulet party. It means that Benvolio is going to show Romeo that there are much prettier girls in Verona than Rosaline.
…Queen Mab…She is the fairies’ midwife… Mercutio to Romeo, as they are going to the Capulet party. He is talking about a mythical creature that creates or destroys dreams.
O, doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night like a rich jewel in an Ethiop’s ear. Romeo to Servingman, right after Romeo catches sight of Juliet. It means she is the light in the darkness and the prettiest girl he has ever seen.
You kiss by th’ book. Juliet to Romeo, right after they meet at the party and kiss. It means that Romeo knows how to kiss.
My only love sprung from my only hate! Too early seen unknown, and known too late! Juliet to herself, right after she finds out the man she is in love with is a Montague. It means that her one true love is the son of her family’s enemy.
He jests at scars that never felt a wound. But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? Romeo to himself, while he is in the back of the Capulet house looking for Juliet.
O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo? Juliet to herself (but calling out to Romeo), while she is on the balcony after the party. It means she is longing to see Romeo again after she has fallen in love for the first time.
July 9, 2019