Amber Swallow             

10S/Sa                     

English Miss Woods                        

23rd May 2007

Romeo & Juliet

        

Task: How does Shakespeare present the character of Capulet to the audience in act one of Romeo and Juliet and so prepare them for his actions later?

Romeo and Juliet is a traditional love tragedy, written by the famous William Shakespeare. It was first performed in 1595. In this time there were no films or television and very few people could read, so the theatre was a popular option for many. This was the only time when all classes would meet one another. The upper class would be granted to the best seating, up high in the balconies. While the lower class had only the option of standing. The play as a whole is based basically around two well know families who are sworn rivals. Their children fall madly in love knowing they’re avowed enemies. However, hatred between the families constrains Romeo and Juliet, and emotion occurs, leading the two of them to their heart-rending death.

Lord Capulet is a major role in the play; he is Juliet’s ‘caring’ father. I believe Shakespeare created this character to show the contrary emotions a person can have and how they can constantly change their beliefs and attitude.

Shakespeare had very little props to produce a scenery and didn’t consist of back drops for each act and scene. So he heavily relied on the spectacular costuming and words the actors spoke. Women would never be seen on stage as it was perceived as prostitution.  I suggest if I were directing the play for a modern audience, I would present Capulet as a very confident, assuring man; he would take power of the stage and be seen very dominant but affectionate.

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In act one scene one, Shakespeare introduces the audience to Lord Capulet as a petty character, Illustrating little importance. He won’t allow anyone power over himself or his authority. The scene of the street brawl between the Montague’s and the Capulet’s Demonstrate how interchangeable Capulet can be. “My sword I say old Montague is come and nourish his blade in spite of me” This establishes Capulet is willing to fight for his power. He can’t bare being the underdog, knowing the Montague’s are armed and the Capulet’s stand defenseless. He evidently cares what people consider of him. I judge ...

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