The scene begins with servants as it gives an air of authority, the first servant says, “Where’s potpan that he helps not to take away” he is in charge of the other servants and is quite annoyed as potpan is obviously avoiding his duties. The first servant is also barking out orders to the other servants
“Remove the court cupboard”
There is a real scene of urgency to clear the hall ready for the party, the feeling of urgency might suggest that this party is important to Lord Capulet and he does not want to displease him. The scene beginning with such movement and concerned agitation grabs the viewer’s attention and are drawn into the play at once, wondering why it is essential to clear the hall so fast.
Lord Capulet enters in a good mood he greets his guest upon entering the ball. He is urging them to dance and have a good time as shown in the line –welcome gentleman. Ladies that have their toes unplagued with corns will walk a bout with you – his good humour has been generated by the engagement of his daughter to the princes’ nephew, Paris. Although there is a moment of brief anger at line 62 started by Tybalt who recognised Romeo’s voice, his mood changes throughout the play whenever he feels stressed by his relations. In contrast Tybalt is hot blooded and rash, he has a violent streak he will challenge any Montague to a brawl as displayed in Act one Scene 1. In my opinion they differ in temperament because of age and wisdom. Lord Capulet did not want to anger the Prince with anymore fighting, as his life would be the forfeit. He knew when to quit. Tybalt on the other hand was young and impetuous and hated the Montagues with a passion; he took the feud very seriously and saw Romeo’s appearance at the ball as a challenge.
Tybalt is used to characterise aggression he is angered by Romeo’s intrusion to the Capulet ball as he feels it is an insult to the family, as in the prologue the feud is old and he sees the Montagues as his foe. They also mention the rage of both families’ parents.
The characters are concerned with battles of wits and their physical strength, each wanting to win. In order to understand the intensity of Tybalt, we need to see the older, calmer, tired of feuding, Lord Capulet.
Romeo speaks of Juliet in a soliloquy as a contrast and light that brightens up the darkest of rooms. His first reactions towards Juliet are loving and amazed as though he has never seen anything so wonderful and beautiful in his life, which is shown in the way he comment on these things
‘…Rich jewel in eithops ear’
She stands out brightly among darker things.
When Romeo first sees Juliet “What ladies that which doth enrich the hand of yonder night?” “‘O she doth teach the torches to burn bright” referring to the fact that she lights up the room. When referring to Rosaline Romeo uses oxymoron’s “she shall not be hit with cupids arrow” – showing he is confused and unhappy, accusing Rosaline of a cold heart (unrequited love) for his unhappiness. This is not true love. There are no contradictions in his first seeing Juliet.
When Romeo first sees Juliet he presents himself as unworthy “ If I profane with my unworthiest hand” (1.5.93). As the two talk they use metaphors of saints and pilgrims, religion was more important to people and using religious references suggests that they are good people. Juliet becomes a saint to be kissed by a holy traveller (pilgrim). The implication that the feeling is mutual comes with “ good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand to much, which mannerly devotion shows in this” (1.5.98). Juliet is playing hard to get. Romeo flirts back and the pair kiss, not knowing the others name.
When Romeo finds out who Juliet is, he is distraught” O dear account! my life is my foes debt” (1.5.119) Juliet likewise is also upset “ My only love sprung from my only hate! To early seen unknown and known to late, prodigious birth of love it is to me that I must love a loathed enemy” (1.5.139). Finding out their identities at the end of the scene reinforces the ideal that no matter what the differences are, love has no boundaries. The scene ends with a cliff-hanger, the audience will want to know what happens next.
