1. The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet Act I Notes

2. Act I. scene i Setting: Verona, Italy – Sunday Morning Conflict: House of Capulet & House of Montague are fighting for little reason Characters: Benvolio -tries to keep the peace –friend to Romeo –tries to lift his spirits by pushing him to look at others Tybalt –doesn’t believe in peace –“What, drawn and talk of peace? I hate the word/ as I hate hell, all Montagues and thee. / Have thee, coward!” 58-59 Prince – rules over the town. He’s tired of their fighting. –Warning: “If ever you disturb our streets again/ Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace.” 84-85

3. Act I. scene ii Setting –Streets of Verona Conflict –Paris wants to marry Juliet, Capulet’s beautiful and young, not yet 14 year-old, daughter. Characters –Paris: he has asked Capulet for Juliet’s hand many times- the answer has always been no –Capulet believes Paris should wait until she is 15 turning 16 to marry Juliet or Paris needs to win her heart –Romeo: we learn that his love is Rosaline She will be invited to the party at the Capulets –Benvolio: Thinks going to the party will show Romeo there are others to love: “Compare her face with some that I shall show/ And I will make thee think thy swan a crow” (81-82). Style –Servants do not speak in the same rhyming pattern of the “elite” characters.

4. Act I. scene iii Setting – Capulet’s house Conflict –Juliet learns of the continued interest from Paris and feels pressure from her mom and nurse. Characters –Juliet surprised by all talk of marriage agrees to look at Paris, but she’d only act if moved by looking at him –Lady Capulet believes Juliet, who turns 14 on August 1st, will be ready to consider marriage. –Nurse has extreme love for Juliet- treats her as her own daughter she hopes to see Juliet married she believes Paris would be a good match

5. Act I. scene iv Setting –Capulet’s House Conflict –Romeo’s depression continues and he has to be pushed to celebrate Characters –Romeo Continues with his negative views of love “Is love a tender thing? It is too rough,/ Too rude, too boist’rous, and it pricks like thorn” (25-26) –Mercutio wants to inspire Romeo to party and dance believes Romeo hides his true emotions Queen Mab Speech

6. Queen Mab was a historic Celtic (Irish) folklore fairy In Shakespeare’s time, Mab=Prostitute Mab’s description: –Small- the size of a rock in a ring –Rides in a carriage= like the wealthy –Carriage is made up of natural things (spider webs, grasshopper legs, etc.) –Her driver is a gnat in a hazelnut shell Mab’s Power: –She brings dreams over the heads of men while they sleep –She is able to give men lustful dreams –Her dreams give men their wishes –She has a role in making maids pregnant

7. Importance of Mab speech In this scene, Mercuito steals center stage from Romeo While Romeo is passing time in self-pity, Mercutio shows him how stupid he is acting Mercutio is able to out-talk Romeo here and convince him to go to the party This speech inspired many songs and poems: –“Nimphidia” by Michael Drayton –“Queen Mab” by Percy Shelley –“Queen Mab” by Sarah C. Hanson

8. Act I. scene v Setting –Capulet’s house –Sunday evening, the night of the party Characters –Capulet Welcomes all his guests Invites everyone to dance…if not, then his assumes they have corns on their feet –Tybalt Recognizes Romeo and wants to fight (he sees his presence as an insult) Is scolded by Capulet and sent away- he vows for revenge –Romeo Sees Juliet across the crowed room; falls madly in love with her Is smooth enough to get two kisses from her Believes his life is in the hands of his enemy –Juliet Falls for Romeo’s smooth talking Wishes she had known he was a Montague before she fell in love Can’t believe fate would have her fall for an enemy