Explore the ways in which Shakespeare creates dramatic tension and interest in Act 1

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Explore the ways in which Shakespeare creates dramatic tension and interest in Act 1

Scene 1 and Act 1 Scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet

William Shakespeare wrote more than 30 plays in his life time and 'Romeo and Juliet' is one of his best known works. It is the famous tragedy of a young couple, Romeo and Juliet, who meet and experience love at first sight. However a number of unfortunate events lead to a tragic ending. In Act 1 Scene 1 and Act 1 Scene 5 of this play, Shakespeare's use of dramatic interest, tension and unusual language and phrases, captivate the audience's attention from the very beginning.

The play begins with a prologue which instantly sets the scene of the play, 'In fair Verona, where we lay our scene'.

The prologue, spoken by the Chorus, introduces the audience to the story and summarises the entire play in 14 short lines. It mentions the two families which the lovers come from; the enmity between them is made very clear- 'from ancient grudge break to new mutiny'.

The prologue claims that the 'star-crossed lovers take their life' which immediately sparks interest in