The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet William Shakespeare 1564-1616

PROLOGUE Verona, Italy Montagues & Capulets: Generations of hate Kids fall in love Secret marriage Suicide* Families overcome the hate at tragic cost * (Foreshadows the deaths of Romeo & Juliet)

Act I Purpose Exposition of the play Characters Setting Conflict

Act I, scene 1 Old hatreds are rekindled between: The servants of Capulets & Montagues Tybalt and Benvolio The Capulets & Montagues Prince of Verona decrees: “If ever you disturb our streets again, your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace” (I.1.94-95).

Act I, scene 1 Romeo Montague is heart-sick because he’s been rejected by Rosaline. He asks his friend Benvolio, “ …teach me how I should forget to think!” (I.1. 224) Benvolio encourages, “By giving liberty unto thine eyes. Examine other beauties” (I.1.225-226).

Shakespeare’s Purpose Introduce the age-old feud between the Montagues & Capulets Introduce Romeo as a romantic, moody teen who is sulking because of a breakup

Act 1, scene 2 Paris, a young count, related to the Prince, asks Lord Capulet permission to marry his daughter Juliet. Capulet asks Paris to wait until Juliet is a bit older than her present age – almost 14. He then invites Paris to a party at his home to woo Juliet.

Act 1, scene 2 Capulet asks his illiterate servant to deliver invitations to the party. The servant happens upon Romeo and his pals, and asks them for assistance in reading the invitations. Romeo sees Rosaline’s name on an invitation and decides to attend.

Act 1, scene 2 Problem: The Capulets and Montagues are bitter foes. Benvolio promises that he’ll assist Romeo in comparing Rosaline to other more beautiful women, and “. . .make thee think thy swan a crow” (I.2.89). Romeo pouts that he’ll attend but have no fun.

Shakespeare’s Purpose Plot device: Used to shape the love triangle, bringing Romeo, Juliet and Paris together Used to bring Romeo into enemy territory – a Montague in the Capulet home

Act I, scene 3 Lady Capulet asks her daughter, Juliet, to “check out” Paris as a potential husband. Juliet obediently complies, but lets her mother know that marriage is not something she’s been thinking about.

Act I, scene 3 We meet Juliet’s nanny, the nurse, who is especially protective of her. We also find out that Juliet’s 14th birthday is approaching – Lammas Eve.

Shakespeare’s Purpose The audience knows that Juliet is aware of Paris’ intent to marry her. The audience also knows that there may be a brawl at the party because Romeo and his friends are infiltrating enemy territory.

Act I, scene 4 Romeo, Benvolio, & Mercutio are about to crash the Capulet party. Romeo vows he won’t have any fun because he’s depressed about Rosaline’s rejection: “I am too sore enpierced with his [Cupid’s] shaft to soar with his light feathers. . .under love’s heavy burden do I sink” (I.4.19-22).

Act I, scene 4 A discussion ensues about love. Romeo’s interpretation of love: Emotional & Spiritual Mercutio’s interpretation of love: Physical & Bawdy

Act I, scene 4 Romeo begins to tell his pals about an ominous dream he had. Mercutio mocks him. Romeo rebukes him, and then tells about his dream, which makes him reluctant to go to the party.

Act I, scene 4 “my mind misgives some consequence yet hanging in the stars shall bitterly begin his fearful date with the night’s revels and expire the term of a despised life, closed in my breast, by some vile forfeit of untimely death” (I.4.106-111).

Act I, scene 4 In other words, Romeo feels Fate has predetermined that some event tonight will cost him his life.

Shakespeare’s Purpose Foreshadow Romeo’s death

Act I, scene 5 Lord Capulet begins the party, inviting all to dance. Romeo spies Juliet, and immediately falls heavily in love with her, instantly forgetting about Rosaline:

Act I, scene 5 “O, she doth teaches the torches to burn bright! It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night as a rich jewel in an Ethiop’s ear –Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear!” (I.5.45-48).

Act I, scene 5 Tybalt, Lady Capulet’s nephew, spies Romeo, recognizes him as a Montague, and prepares to kill him. Lord Capulet orders Tybalt to “endure” Romeo’s presence, remembering the Prince’s decree. Tybalt obeys begrudgingly, but will seek revenge at another time:

Act I, scene 5 Tybalt remarks after Lord Capulet has exited: “I will withdraw; but this intrusion shall, now seeming sweet, convert to bitt’rest gall*” (I.5.92-93)

Act I, scene 5 The Infatuation The Kiss The Enemy

Act I, scene 5 Romeo and Juliet’s attraction is immediately electric – love at first sight! Yet, when they kiss they do not know each other’s identity. Juliet’s nurse breaks the news to each.

Act I, scene 5 Romeo’s reaction: Juliet’s response: “Is she a Capulet? O dear account! My life is my foe’s debt” (I.5.118-119). Juliet’s response: “My only love, sprung from my only hate!... Prodigious of love it is to me that I must love a loathed enemy” (I.5.140-143).

Shakespeare’s Purpose Foreshadow the death of Mecutio at the hands of Tybalt Introduce the conflict that sets the plot in motion. Ironically Romeo & Juliet, whose families are embroiled in a bitter family feud, fall madly in love.