You are referring to the famous balcony scene. Both Romeo
and Juliet are in love with each other. They had just met at the dance earlier that
night and were immediately attracted to each other. In this scene, though, we do see
some differences. Juliet is more prudent. She is worried about Romeo being found in
the Capulet orchard:
If they do see thee they will murder
thee.
Juliet repeats this
concern three times during this conversation. Romeo, however, is less cautious. His
only concern is seeing Juliet.
Juliet is also more
self-conscious. She is worried that she might seem too easy to Romeo and she is
concerned that Romeo's professions of love may be false. Romeo, on the other hand, has
no such concerns. He professes his love promptly and assertively, assuring Juliet that
he will swear the truth of his love for her by anything she seems
fitting.
Juliet is the one concerned about commitment and
marriage. She is the one who encourages Romeo to marry her; she mentions marriage
first. Romeo follows her lead and agrees to make
arrangements.
So, what's interesting is that Juliet's focus
is broader. She is the one who is concerned about her hostile kinsmen, Romeo's safety,
marriage. She looks to the future. Romeo is more in the present, more single-focused:
enraptured by Juliet's beauty and his newly developed love for
her.
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