"The servants of the Montagues and Capulets (two rival families in Verona) begin a violent argument which develops into a brawl."
"Benvolio tries to stop the fighting, but it is further provoked by the aggressive Tybalt. Even the two heads of the households join in."
" "
"The riot is finally stopped only by the intervention of Prince Escalus, who gives a furious speech warning against further disorder."
" "
"Now we hear Romeo's name mentioned for the first time."
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"Benvolio and Romeo's parents discuss his rather strange behaviour - roaming sadly about before dawn and shutting himself in a dark room during the day."
" "
"Benvolio speaks to Romeo alone, and we discover that our hero is lovesick, and that his love is not returned."
"Benvolio's advice to him is to forget this cruel woman and"
"*examine other beauties"
"but Romeo rejects this."
" "
"*COMMENTARY"
"An important scene of exposition. We realise the depth and nature of the feud between the two families, and meet nearly all the important characters."
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"*scene i Commentary (cont.)"
" "
"Perhaps most important for our later understanding is the nature of Romeo's love for Rosaline."
"Notice how his declarations here are conventional, how his love makes him miserable, how unlike his own self he appears."
" "
"Later in the play we can contrast this with the deep and genuine love he feels for Juliet."
" "
"This scene also gives us a valuable insight into the character of Romeo's friend, Benvolio."
"He is seen to be warm and thoughtful, more practical than the emotional Romeo."
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"*scene ii"
" "
"Count Paris asks Capulet for Juliet's hand in marriage, but Capulet refuses on the grounds that she is not yet fourteen."
"He also indicates that Juliet's own feelings must be taken into account. He invites Paris to attend a feast that he is holding that night."
" "
"Capulet's servant enlists the aid of Romeo to read the list of guests to be invited to the feast."
"Noticing Rosaline's name on the list, Romeo is easily persuaded to attend the feast to gaze at her."
" "
"His friends hope he will be attracted by some other girl."
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"*COMMENTARY (scene ii)"
" "
"Paris is introduced into the plot, and Juliet is mentioned for the first time."
"It is obvious that Capulet loves and cares for his daughter, and yet his ideas here are strongly at odds with how he behaves towards her later in the play."
" "
"Notice how Shakespeare cleverly overcomes the difficulty of informing the Montagues about the Capulets' feast."
"This incident also injects a little humour into the play."
" "
"Romeo's hopeless and melancholy love for Rosaline is also reinforced."
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"*scene iii"
" "
"The Nurse reminisces about Juliet's childhood. Lady Capulet broaches the subject of marriage to Paris to her daughter."
"Juliet dutifully agrees to consider the matter and to look out for Paris at the party later that night."
" "
"*COMMENTARY"
"The Nurse is an important character, both in terms of the plot, and also as a source of humour."
"Her earthy speech makes her a sharp contrast to the more refined and polite Juliet seen here for the first time."
" "
"Juliet is seen as filial and respectful."
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"*scene iv"
" "
"Romeo and his friends are on their way to the Capulets' party."
"Mercutio displays his wit and imagination in a long speech, but fails to cheer up Romeo, who is fearful of"
"*Some consequence, yet hanging in the stars."
" "
"*COMMENTARY"
"Mercutio is presented as a lively wit, and a good friend of Romeo. Here he is in sharp contrast to Romeo."
"Romeo's premonition of death reminds us of the theme of Fate in the play."
"*See Themes"
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"*scene v"
" "
"Masked, Romeo and his friends enter the party, where the dancing is about to begin."
"Catching sight of Juliet across the room, Romeo is stunned by her beauty."
" "
"Tybalt overhears Romeo's voice and tries to start a quarrel, but his uncle Capulet restrains him."
" "
"Romeo approaches Juliet, and they share a witty and charming conversation. He kisses her."
"The Nurse interrupts them, and Romeo now discovers Juliet's identity."
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"*scene v (cont.)"
" "
"Juliet is similarly horrified when she finds that Romeo is a Montague. She exclaims"
"*My only love sprung from my only hate!"
" "
"*COMMENTARY"
"A very important scene (See Key Scenes for more details)"
