1. The Escalus' Decree: The Prince of Verona, Escalus, issues a decree that any further violence or fighting between the Montague and Capulet families will result in death. This sets the stage for a sense of heightened danger and urgency, as the lovers must now be even more cautious about their relationship.
2. The Secret Marriage: Romeo and Juliet secretly get married with the help of Friar Laurence. This marriage sets the stage for the central conflict to come and raises the stakes of their love story.
3. Mercutio's Death: The act ends with the tragic death of Mercutio, Romeo's close friend. Mercutio is killed in a street fight with Tybalt, Juliet's cousin. This event is significant because it deepens the feud between the families, intensifies Romeo's grief and anger, and leads to his impulsive decision to kill Tybalt.
4. Romeo's Banishment: As punishment for killing Tybalt, Romeo is banished from Verona. This devastating consequence of Romeo's actions separates the lovers and sets in motion a chain of events that lead to their tragic fate.
By ending Act 2 with these dramatic and tragic developments, Shakespeare creates a powerful sense of suspense and raises the stakes for the characters as they navigate the consequences of their actions and the deepening conflict between their families.