- Paris and Capulet's Discussion: Paris visits Lord Capulet to discuss his request to marry Juliet. Capulet agrees to the proposal, believing that Juliet will be thrilled with the match. He sets the wedding for Thursday.
- Juliet's Resistance: Despite Capulet's enthusiasm, Juliet is not interested in marrying Paris. She confides her love for Romeo to her nurse, who suggests that she postpone the wedding until she can figure out a way to escape.
Romeo's Banishment:
- Escalus' Verdict: After the street brawl that resulted in the deaths of Mercutio and Tybalt, Prince Escalus banishes Romeo from Verona. This news devastates Juliet, who sees no future without him.
Friar Laurence's Plan:
- A Desperate Scheme: Friar Laurence hatches a plan to reunite Romeo and Juliet. He gives Juliet a potion that will make her appear dead for forty-two hours. When she awakens, she will be able to escape to Mantua with Romeo.
- Sending the Message: Friar Laurence sends a message to Romeo in Mantua, informing him of the plan and urging him to return to Verona. However, this message never reaches Romeo, due to a series of mishaps and Friar John's inability to deliver it.