You are here

All Site ContentRomeo and JulietAct 2Scene 2
Back to the Play
"frank"
Double Meaning
Act 2,
Scene 2
Lines 126-135

An explanation of the pun on “frank” in Act 2, Scene 2 of myShakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

Juliet

What satisfaction canst thou have tonight?

Romeo

The exchange of thy love's faithful vow for mine.

Juliet

I gave thee mine before thou didst request it.
And yet I would it were to give again.

Romeo

Wouldst thou withdraw it? For what purpose, love?     

Juliet

But to be frank, and give it thee again,
And yet I wish but for the thing I have.
My bounty is as boundless as the sea,
My love as deep; the more I give to thee,
The more I have, for both are infinite.

Juliet's use of the word "frank" results in a double meaning:

  • In one sense, "frank" means "free." Juliet wants to be free to give her vow of love again.
  • In another sense, the word means generous. Juliet wants to be generous to Romeo by repeating her vow of love.