Chorus Introduction: Two noble households of Verona, the Capulets and the Montagues, are introduced.
Ancient Grudge: The families have an ongoing feud which leads to violence.
Star-Crossed Lovers: The prologue reveals that Romeo and Juliet, from opposing families, will fall in love and their deaths will end the feud.
Fate Theme: The phrase "star-crossed lovers" indicates the role of fate. The prologue introduces the tragic ending to enhance the theme of inescapable fate throughout the play.
Act 1, Scene 1
Samson and Gregory: Capulet servants jest about their strength and provoke Montague servants.
Benvolio and Tybalt: Benvolio, a Montague, tries to stop the fight but is challenged by Tybalt, a Capulet.
Prince Escalus: Arrives to stop the fight and warns that further disturbances will be punished by death.
Romeo’s Melancholy: Benvolio learns Romeo is lovesick over Rosaline, who does not return his affection.
Character Contrasts:
Benvolio is a peacekeeper.
Tybalt is aggressive and antagonistic.
Romeo is a romantic, using oxymorons to express his conflicted feelings about love.
Act 1, Scene 2
Capulet and Paris: They discuss Paris's interest in marrying Juliet.
Juliet’s Age: Capulet wants to wait as Juliet is not yet 14 but invites Paris to woo her at a feast.
Illiterate Servant: Peter, a servant, cannot read the guest list and asks Romeo for help.
Romeo’s Motivation: Romeo agrees to attend the feast upon learning Rosaline will be there.
Patriarchal Power: Capulet cares about Juliet’s happiness, reflecting both traditional roles and a fatherly affection.
Act 1, Scene 3
Lady Capulet and the Nurse: Discuss Juliet’s readiness for marriage with Juliet and the nurse.
Juliet’s View on Marriage: Juliet is cautious about marriage but agrees to consider Paris.
Female Dynamics:
Lady Capulet is formal and distant.
The nurse is familiar and close with Juliet, providing comedic relief.
Societal Expectations: Juliet hints at her reluctance to marry without love, foreshadowing her defiance of societal norms.
Act 1, Scene 4
Masked Ball Preparation: Romeo, Benvolio, and Mercutio prepare for the Capulet feast.
Mercutio's Speech: Discusses Queen Mab, offering a cynical view of dreams and love.
Romeo’s Foreboding: Feels a sense of impending doom, linking back to the theme of fate.
Act 1, Scene 5
Capulet Ball: Lord Capulet welcomes guests.
Love at First Sight: Romeo is captivated by Juliet’s beauty.
Tybalt’s Anger: Recognizes Romeo and wants to fight, but Capulet stops him.
Romeo and Juliet Meet: Exchange a sonnet, filled with religious imagery, and share a kiss.
Discovering Identities: Both are devastated to learn they belong to feuding families.
Sonnets and Metaphors: Their interaction filled with religious metaphors emphasizes the deep, spiritual nature of their attraction.
Key Themes:
Fate: Introduced in the prologue, fate plays a significant role throughout the act.
Love vs. Hate: The juxtaposition of love and familial hate is central to the play.
Social Constraints: The play explores patriarchal and societal expectations.