How are the main themes of 'Romeo and Juliet' introduced in Act One?

Fate is a crucial topic of ‘Romeo and Juliet’. This theme is revealed in the prologue. ‘Star-crossed lovers’ shows that the two main characters are ill-fated; the idea of ‘star’ helps to relate the lovers’ story to destiny. The words ‘misadventured’ and ‘piteous’ indicate that they have tragic fortunes. The phrase ‘Death-marked love’ illustrates that Romeo and Juliet’s story happens as if it is pre-destined; Shakespeare uses the word ‘death’ to specify that the lovers will die at the end. In Scene 4, Romeo says he dreamt that something bad will happen. ‘Some consequence, yet hanging in the stars’, this line implies that something fated is going to happen, but it is not yet revealed. Again, Shakespeare makes use of the idea of ‘stars’, which associates with fate. ‘By some vile forfeit of untimely death’, once more, death is mentioned. This responds to the prologue given that the audience is told that Romeo will die, which creates dramatic irony.

Hatred is another significant theme of the play; and not surprisingly, this is depicted in Act one through various scenes. Hatred between the two families – Montague and Capulet – is introduced in the prologue. ‘Ancient grudge’ shows that there has been long-term hatred; ‘munity’ means there has been outbursts of violence. ‘Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean’ shows the seriousness of the loathing between the two households; the phrase ‘civil blood’ illustrates that the whole city is involved in their dispute, and that the violence has cause a lot of injuries and deaths. In scene 1, the conversation between Sampson and Gregory reveals the theme of hatred, ‘A dog of the house of Montague moves me’. This suggests that not only the chief members of the two families detest each other; yet, the servants are involved in the quarrel, too. In the same scene, Tybalt, an extremely fiery character, brings out violence by starting to fight with the Capulets. Tybalt says ‘…talk about peace? I hate the word as I hate hell, all Montagues and thee’, this line shows the hatred between the two families clearly and powerfully. In the prince’s speech in Scene 1, Shakespeare uses imageries to signify violence. ‘Neighbour-stained steel’ implies swords stained with neighbours’ blood, while ‘purple fountains’ is used to represent blood. In Scene 5, Tybalt, again, brings out hatred and violence. ‘Wilful choler’ illustrates that he is obstinately furious and will not give in. Although he says he will ‘withdraw’ at that particular moment, he will definitely take revenge, this is shown in ‘but this intrusion shall… convert to bitterest gall.’

Beauty is mentioned several times throughout Act one. In Scene1, Romeo talks about Rosaline and focuses on her beauty, ‘O, she is rich in beauty’ is a direct compliment. ‘For beauty, starved with her severity, cuts beauty off from all posterity’ means that her beauty will not be handed on to her children. When Benvolio asks Romeo not to think about Rosaline, Romeo says ‘show me a mistress that is passing fair… where I may read who passed that passing fair’, which implies that he thinks no one can replace or compare to Rosaline, because she is exceptionally attractive; and is therefore, unforgettable. In Scene 2, ‘ne’er saw her match since first the world begun’,

Romeo, again, suggests that nobody is comparable to Rosaline. In Scene 5 at the house of the Capulets, Romeo sees Juliet; and through Romeo’s soliloquy,

Shakespeare uses imageries to demonstrate how Juliet is so beautiful that she stands out. ‘Teach the torches to burn bright’ illustrates that Juliet does not only glow, but she is like the leader who helps lighten up the entire atmosphere. ‘Hangs upon the cheek of night’ is a personification, and signifies that she is as dazzling as a star. An Ethiop is a black American; ‘as a rich jewel in an Ethiop’s ear’ portrays very effectively how conspicuous Juliet is, just like a diamond shining in front of a black surface. ‘Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear’ implies that Juliet’s exceeding beauty is precious and valuable.

Like how the themes of fate and hatred are introduced in the prologue within a relatively short period of time, all the key elements of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ are depicted within Act one. Shakespeare portrays the main themes through refine language, while the different viewpoints are revealed through diverse characterisation. The major components: love, fate, hatred and beauty play a big role in making ‘Romeo and Juliet’ a successful tragedy.