Act 1 Scene 5 of "Romeo and Juliet" is full of dramatic contrasts. Explore how Shakespeare achieves these changes of moods and atmosphere.
Act 1 scene 5 is a vital scene in Romeo and Juliet as it set ups the plot of the play. Its importance is stressed through the dramatic contrast in language, mood and imagery, creating both tension and excitement for the audience.
The play begins with violence in the streets of 15th century Verona, between the servants of the Capulets and the Montagues. Benvolio, previously trying to stop the conflict, takes part himself after the arrival of Tybalt. The ruler of Verona, Prince Escalus, then declares that any Capulet or Montague that provokes violence is to be killed. Soon after, Romeo falls in love with Rosaline, a woman who is not fond of Romeo. A friend of Romeo, Benvolio, advises him to find another love; Romeo remains defiant. Meanwhile, Capulet organises a feast for her daughter to see Paris who seeks Juliet's hand in marriage. Benvolio suggests they attend a feast organised by Capulet so he could find another woman, though Romeo only attends as Rosaline will be there.
Act 1 scene 5 begins with the servants working hurriedly while Capulet welcomes and encourages the guests to dance. The ball is for Juliet to see Paris who asked for the 14 year-olds hand in marriage. Arranged marriages were common both during the 15th Century when the play is set and also in the Elizabethan period when Shakespeare was writing the play. It was a duty of the parents to have their children married to worthy families and the bride and groom would have a minimal say. It was also common for young girls to be married, usually when they were 15. Parents would often seek wealthy men for their daughters, as they would need a good source of financial support. Families would also seek other wealthy families for marriage for good connections as well as financial gain. For the same reasons, Juliet's family chose Paris as her future husband. In the scene, Romeo sees Juliet and immediately falls in love with her and any thoughts of Rosaline fade. The relevance of a Montague angers Tybalt and demands a servant to bring his rapier. Overhearing Tybalt, Capulet lectures him that Romeo is respected in Verona and any form of violence will not take place at his feast. Tybalt, after much protest, agrees but pledges that he will not forget this. Romeo and Juliet meet and engage in their first conversation before kissing. After the second kiss, Nurse pulls Juliet away. Romeo asks about Juliet's family, Nurse replies that Lady Capulet is her mother. Juliet too finds out about Romeo being a Montague, both are devastated with the news.
Act 1 scene 5 is a vital scene in Romeo and Juliet as it set ups the plot of the play. Its importance is stressed through the dramatic contrast in language, mood and imagery, creating both tension and excitement for the audience.
The play begins with violence in the streets of 15th century Verona, between the servants of the Capulets and the Montagues. Benvolio, previously trying to stop the conflict, takes part himself after the arrival of Tybalt. The ruler of Verona, Prince Escalus, then declares that any Capulet or Montague that provokes violence is to be killed. Soon after, Romeo falls in love with Rosaline, a woman who is not fond of Romeo. A friend of Romeo, Benvolio, advises him to find another love; Romeo remains defiant. Meanwhile, Capulet organises a feast for her daughter to see Paris who seeks Juliet's hand in marriage. Benvolio suggests they attend a feast organised by Capulet so he could find another woman, though Romeo only attends as Rosaline will be there.
Act 1 scene 5 begins with the servants working hurriedly while Capulet welcomes and encourages the guests to dance. The ball is for Juliet to see Paris who asked for the 14 year-olds hand in marriage. Arranged marriages were common both during the 15th Century when the play is set and also in the Elizabethan period when Shakespeare was writing the play. It was a duty of the parents to have their children married to worthy families and the bride and groom would have a minimal say. It was also common for young girls to be married, usually when they were 15. Parents would often seek wealthy men for their daughters, as they would need a good source of financial support. Families would also seek other wealthy families for marriage for good connections as well as financial gain. For the same reasons, Juliet's family chose Paris as her future husband. In the scene, Romeo sees Juliet and immediately falls in love with her and any thoughts of Rosaline fade. The relevance of a Montague angers Tybalt and demands a servant to bring his rapier. Overhearing Tybalt, Capulet lectures him that Romeo is respected in Verona and any form of violence will not take place at his feast. Tybalt, after much protest, agrees but pledges that he will not forget this. Romeo and Juliet meet and engage in their first conversation before kissing. After the second kiss, Nurse pulls Juliet away. Romeo asks about Juliet's family, Nurse replies that Lady Capulet is her mother. Juliet too finds out about Romeo being a Montague, both are devastated with the news.
