Already from this scene, the audience are aware of the rising tension being created between the characters. They are aware that there is going to be more tension created between the two families and the consequences will end severe, as their children are falling in love. Dramatic irony is created because the audience are aware that Romeo is a Montague and Juliet is a Capulet which the two star crossed lovers do not. The audience are still interested in the story developing even though they know what’s coming. Also, the audience know that Romeo has a bad feeling and is very nervous about Tybalt who is very inflamed by his presence, “Fetch me my rapier, boy”.
The scene begins with the serving men preparing for the party. It starts the party atmosphere with hustling and bustling and the serving men getting very busy. This scene sets up an obvious change of mood and then it contrasts with the later mood development in the party. There is contrast with the atmosphere as it is loud, bright, extravagant and happy. There is no threat in the beginning of this scene as it is quite welcoming because of the jubilant atmosphere and the jolly mood of Lord Capulet as he jest to the guests, “More light, you knaves, and turn the tables up;” Every-one is invited into the party atmosphere.
The significance of the party being a masked ball is that the Montague’s can get into the party without their identities being revealed or exposed. This is linked to when Romeo and Juliet meet. They do not seem to know that they are enemies and can just show how much they love each other.
When Romeo spots Juliet the soliloquy contrasts with the previous lines. This is because the previous lines show the Capulets welcoming people, “Welcome gentlemen”. There is a jolly atmosphere, but then when Romeo starts to speak to Juliet, everything goes silent and becomes very serious. This creates a lot of tension as the audience would want to know what is happening at this precise moment. Whilst saying the soliloquy, Romeo does not know Juliet’s name, so he compares her to something precious, “As a rich jewel in an Ethiop’s ear”. He talks to her about her beauty and tells her that she stands out like black and white, “So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows.” Shakespeare uses metaphors and similes to describe her standing out against the, “Cheek of night.” From the previous lines, Romeo has completely forgotten about his first love, Rosaline, and concentrates on Juliet but then when it comes towards the end of the soliloquy he asks himself a question “Did my heart love till now? Forswear it sight!” This shows that he made a mistake in thinking he was in love with Rosaline.
Whilst Romeo is saying this romantic soliloquy, one of the Capulets, Tybalt catches a glimpse of him. This does have an impact on the audience. It raises the tension in the audiences as the mood goes from love to hate and conflict. It makes the audience think that there is going to be a fight between Tybalt and Romeo and that the consequences are going to be bad. Tybalt says, “Fetch me my rapier boy,” because he is inflamed by Romeos presence and his authority to enter the Capulets house.
When Lord Capulet says, “Take no note of him” it lowers the tension for the audience as he says to Tybalt to leave Romeo alone, “Do him disparagement.” He tells Tybalt that he is duty bound to make sure Romeo is not insulted in his house. He does not want any violence going on as he is the host of the party. Shakespeare uses language such as, “‘Tis he, that villain Romeo”, to emphasise what Tybalt thinks of Romeo. Capulet’s words have an effect on Tybalt as he is told to leave Romeo alone but this triggers its later revenge and tragic consequences. It changes the mood as Tybalt becomes stubborn and disloyal Lord Capulet. Capulet then gives Tybalt an order, “He shall be endured.” Tybalt has challenged Capulets authority so then he has to reassert it. This creates conflict between the characters. The two Capulets still argue then Lord Capulet insults Tybalt, “Goodman boy” which asserts his authority. The mood for Lord Capulet changes as he tries to quite down Tybalt and continue with the party. The relationship between Romeo and Juliet now seems possible because Capulet lets Romeo stay at his party.
When the two lovers meet they use religious imagery to show how much they love each other, “This holy shrine, the gentle sin is this.” This is associated with the sonnet as this also shows how much Romeo is in love with Juliet. They are also together when the sonnet is heard which also makes it holy as they use religious wording.
When they meet, they feel so in love with each other but they don’t have a clue as in the later consequences. This rises the tension in the characters as the audience know about this and want to know when they discover the situation they are in. The lovers are powerless and devastated. Juliet feels much stronger about Romeo as she is already in love with him, “If he be married, my grave is like to be my wedding bed.”
From this scene there are strong and romantic emotions displayed by the characters. There is sadness at the end of the scene as the two star cross lovers find out that they are both from families with a grudge against each other. Hate is displayed by Tybalt too Romeo as they are each others “Foes.” These emotions that are displayed in the scene become a big impact on the audience as this makes the scene more interesting.
The historic content in this scene affects the audience too. This is because in the olden days, you would have to know your lover well before you would be able to kiss them. In this case, Romeo and Juliet kiss each other the first time they meet. Also in this case they used to have arranged marriages but Juliet is supposed to be having an arranged marriage with Paris. At the party she is supposingly to be looking out for Paris who her parents have as intended her for but she has met someone’s who her parents have approved. This shows that she has strong feelings about Romeo.
In Act 1 Scene 5, Shakespeare does create an atmosphere of tension. He does this by using different techniques of language such as, metaphors and similes. Also he uses the sense of excitement, “You are welcome gentlemen. Come, musicians, play”. Romance is created, “Did my heart love till now” and the undercurrent of danger, “Fetch me my rapier boy”. Shakespeare plays with the audience by beginning with a jubilant atmosphere, introducing romance and ending with conflict. This scene does make the audience tense because of the changes in mood and the tragic consequence at the end.
BY JULAN SHAH
