Romeo is deeply in love with a girl called Rosaline, but this is not to be as Rosaline rejects him, Romeo says ‘griefs of mine own lie heavy’. Romeo is deeply saddened because of Rosaline’s rejection to him. Benvolio, Romeos cousin, can see that Romeo is depressed and begs him to compare Rosaline to other attractive woman – a reason to go to the ball ‘By giving liberty unto thine eyes Experience other beauties’ Again there is a sense of intrigue because if Romeo is still in love with Rosaline he will not be affected by other woman. On the way to the masked ball Shakespeare creates a sense of doom and misery. The audience would think that whatever Romeo and Juliet do events occur beyond their control. Romeo has worrying apprehension of doom for the night ‘For my mind misgives some consequence yet hanging in the stars shall bitterly begin his fearful date with this night revels’.
Shakespeare sets act 1 scene 5 in the Capulet’s opulent and luxurious home. At the start of the scene details about the masked ball are given to create a sense of atmosphere. Lord Capulet expects every one to dance and enjoy the party atmosphere. A very important feature within this scene is the appearance of dancing, singing and music. In act 1 scene 5 the influence of music enhances the romantic mood and meeting of Romeo and Juliet. In lines 16 – 40 we are introduced to the Capulet household, who wearing glamorous, rich costumes to impress the audience walk on stage. Lord Capulet is joining and welcoming his guests, which eases the peace of the scene, he also makes many light hearted comments to the ladies recalling his youth and reminiscing about his past. Lord Capulet is nostalgic, comfortable and very gossipy. Lord Capulet is the caring host, determined to ensure that all his guests are happy.
In lines 41 – 52 the mood changes, in this part of the play Romeo falls in love at first sight with the beautiful Juliet expressing his inner feelings directly to her. This is in direct comparison with the earlier cheerful and light-hearted conversation with Lord Capulet. Romeo’s soliloquy is dominated by his devotion and admiration for Juliet, ‘O she doth teach the torches to burn bright?’. There seems to be a slower pace to this pat of the scene, highlighting Romeo’s obsession with Juliet ‘So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows as yonder lady o’er her fellow shows’ Romeo is in a total world of his own, enraptured by the stunning beauty of Juliet. This creates a romantic but also dangerous mood in the scene as the audience watch with anticipation and ask will they be caught? Romeo has fallen in love with Juliet, Benvolio’s plan has worked, Benvolio’s plan was to get Romeo to experience other beauties or compare other woman to Rosaline. The masked ball has brought together the couple and the audience will be delighted because of this, the romance has begun.
In lines 53 – 91 there is a dramatic change in mood compared to the peaceful mood we saw previously. Tybalt has spotted Romeo and goes strait to Lord Capulet to inform him of the insult, Tybalt talks about Romeo calling him ‘a villain’, ‘a slave’ this creates tension for Romeo and his party with Tybalt’s aggressive language, ‘Fetch me my rapier’ highlighting the tension even further. Tybalt uses derogatory terms like ‘slave’ and ‘villain’ this shows Tybalt’s anger and rage towards Romeo and the presence of Montagues in the ball. Tybalt sees the worst and assumes that Romeo is there to start trouble ‘To fleer and scorn at out solemnity’. This shows that Tybalt is determined to inflict harm upon Romeo and his party. Lord Capulet attempts to calm Tybalt down using peaceful language ‘Content thee, gentle coz’ Lord Capulet speaks generously of Romeo. Capulet then uses more influential language that shows his determination to keep the peace and does not want to blemish the ball. Tension, the audience is riveted to see if Tybalt will obey ‘I’ll not endure him’ Capulet balances his role of a friendly host whilst reprimanding Tybalt.
In lines 92 – 100 Romeo and Juliet meet again. He describes his lips as ‘two blushing pilgrims’. Both Romeo and Juliet respond, to each other’s suggestions tenderly and compassionately. The pair form an island of peace and tranquillity amidst the bustling atmosphere of the party. They are completely oblivious to others intent upon one thing only, ‘To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss’ The tension is built towards the kiss by the repetition of palms and hands, ‘O then, dear saint, let lips do what hands do:’ The atmosphere is harmonious showing their mutual love for each other. The kisses are romantic, ‘This from my lips, by thine, my sin is purged’ and the audience is delighted by their blossoming relationship as well as being filled with tension because if they are discovered they are in grave trouble.
In lines 111 – 116 the nurse breaks the romantic bond between Romeo and Juliet, the nurse calls Juliet away by doing this anxiety is created on the relationship between Romeo and Juliet. Romeo is shattered when he realises that Juliet is a Capulet, from the family that he has been warring with for generations, ‘O dear account! My life is my foes debt’ Romeo is devastated by this and leaves the ball, the audience is left with anticipation as to what he will do next. Juliet coyly discovers Romeo’s identity, ‘come hither, nurse. What is that yond gentlemen’ and ’what’s he that now is going out of the door?’ When Juliet finds out that Romeo is a Montague she like Romeo is devastated, ‘My only love sprung from my only hate’. Juliet believes that something bad will become of this, ‘Prodigious birth of love it is to me, that I must love an enemy’. Throughout act 1 scene 5 the audience is subjected to a gauntlet of emotions such as comedy, aggression, tension and ultimately romance and true love. These differences in emotions are conveyed through the variety and contrast in language. Shakespeare uses commands, and abusive language through to religious and romantic language using rhyming couplets in the sonnet form. This scene truly represents the contrast between love and hate, ending with the realisation that love cannot ‘run smoothly’ for the lovers. The scene leaves the audience eager to see how the relationship between Romeo and Juliet will unfold and prepares the audience for the tragic events that are likely to happen.
