Firstly I will explain one aspect of hate that is used in Act 1.
This is family enmity. At the beginning of Scene 1 the audience quickly assumes that family enmity is the theme being used. This is because of the language; body and facial expressions made by the characters throughout the scene, when they speak about the opposite family.
“The quarrel is between our masters and us their men.”
(Act 1 Scene 1)
The audience instantly realizes that Shakespeare is using family enmity in this section of the scene, as the language used by Gregory, is connoting hatred.
Using words such as “quarrel” represents fighting and hatred; this then leads onto family enmity.
You could argue that at the same time the theme of love and respect is being represented, as the Capulet faithful servants show their love and loyalty to their family.
The same theme is used again when Tybalt relates to the Montagues.
He shows a lot of hatred when talking about Romeo, only because of his name.
“Now by the stock and honour of my kin,
To strike him dead, I hold it not a sin.”
(Act 1, Scene 5)
Shakespeare uses strong language again, this time through Tybalt’s character. He uses words like “strike” and “dead” these words hold very evil meanings. Shakespeare uses this sort of language, so that the audience can easily understand the theme he is attempting to present.
This is representing family enmity. Shakespeare has used this effectively throughout act 1.He has shown the theme not only through the language but through facial and body expressions. Bringing the effectiveness to a much higher standard.
Shakespeare now moves on to use sheer hatred.
He represents this throughout the conversation between Gregory (servant of the Capulets) and Abraham (servant of the Montague).
“Do you quarrel, sir?”
“Quarrel sir! No, sir.
“You lie!”
(Act 1 Scene 1)
Short sentences are used here; Shakespeare uses this to make the scene more dramatic and exciting because this indicates to the audience that tension is rising. The language represents hate and anger; it looks as if the character is very stubborn and pretty much looking for a fight. Once again hatred is shown here.
This theme is presented again through the strong, fiery personality of Tybalt.
His hate towards the Montagues is clearly shown throughout his character; this makes him look more realistic; which makes the scene more dramatic.
"I hate the word, as I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee. Have at thee coward!"
(Act 3 Scene 1)
The language used here is full of evil; Shakespeare has used words holding strong meanings such as “hate” this is to emphasize the theme he is attempting to portray, making it easier for the audience to understand.
Moving onto the next theme, Shakespeare uses the same technique that he has used for hate; which was to show different interpretations of the theme. He now does this for the theme of love.
I will start by explaining family love, family love and respect is shown when the servant is speaking about his “master,” who happens to be “Lord” Montague.
The servant shows respect when talking about Montague, by constantly using words like; “Sir” and “Master.”
Using words like the ones just mentioned shows respect; this is effective because it gives the audience a clear idea of the status of specific characters, and how important they are. As in this case the audience can understand that the Montague is an important character throughout the play; and that the servants show a great deal of respect; this during 1595 was quite common in rich family households.
Another example of this theme is presented through the character of the Nurse. She shows respect and love for the Montagues, especially Juliet.
…I pray thee, hold thy peace.”
“Yes madam…” (Act 1 scene 3)
Respect is portrayed once again. The character of the nurse does not only show respect but love. Real Motherly love she treats Juliet, as one of her own. She knows everything about Juliet.
Whilst speaking to Juliet, the nurse uses very bawdy language; this represents her status, and shows the audience, that the nurse is of a lower position to the Capulet family, and that she may have come from a lower cast family.
Very informal, chatty words like “cockerels ball” are used by the nurse William Shakespeare has done to this to reflect the Nurse’s happy, and contented personality.
“On Lammas – eve at night shall she be fourteen.”
(Act 1 scene 3)
The nurse can recall when and how old Juliet will be. This illustrates that the nurse and Juliet have a lot of love for each other, and hold a very strong bond between one another.
However we could argue that lady Capulet does offer fairly good advice to Juliet, concerning her marriage. But we could also argue that she is uncaring, and selfish.
“Scan Paris’s face as if it were a book.
Attractiveness is the theme.”
“…likewise, by marrying Paris, you’ll share all his attributes and you own will be no less.
(Act 1 Scene 3)
The audience may believe that Lady Capulet cares and shows love for her daughter. But at the same time she is selfish; and only worried about her reputation as “Lady Capulet.”
Another form of love that Shakespeare has used is Unrequited Love. He uses this effectively throughout Act 1.
The theme is mainly presented through the two main characters, Romeo and Juliet.
“I’ll look to like, if looking liking move;”
(Act 1 scene 3)
Juliet is not happy about the idea of marriage. No matter how much Paris loves her. Her unrequited love is shown. (Love that is given but not returned). Juliet is not interested that Paris shows true love to her.
Romeo fools himself into believing he is love with Rosaline towards the end Act 1. He thinks he’s deeply in love with Rosaline. However he uses negative language whilst talking about her.
“Under love’s heavy burden do I sink?”
(Act 1 scene 1)
Negative language is used here, showing he is depressed. Bringing the audience to believe that his love for Rosaline is fake!
This is the complete opposite when talking about Juliet; he uses a lot of passion and pride when describing her.
“As a rich jewel in an Ethiop’s ear.”
(Act 1 Scene 5)
The language used here is pure, and rich, Shakespeare has used some of the most effective describing words in English literature when explaining Juliet’s love for Romeo.
A “jewel” signifies gold, rich and uniqueness; Shakespeare uses words like these, so that the audience can get a clearer view in their mind, of what Shakespeare is portraying.
Shakespeare uses a very special and unique form of love which is known as love at first site. I personally think he has successfully presented this form of Love exceptionally well.
Romeo uses lots of different imagery when describing Juliet; in some cases he makes references to the prologue.
“For earth too dear.”
(Act 1 Scene 5)
He describes her against some of the most amazing features in life. For example fire, light, a “snowy dove.”
A white dove connotes purity, and peace, this is the image Shakespeare is portraying here.
Juliet presents this theme through her comments made, when she first talks to Romeo, and comes into contact with him. The language used is very romantic, and sets the scene.
“You kiss by the book.”
(Act 1 Scene 5)
Juliet is saying here that Romeo is an expert at kissing, one of the best. Flirtation is talking place. The audience instantly realise love is in the air.
The language relates to the theme exceptionally well, this is a good advantage of the play.
Whilst talking about Juliet, Romeo does not only follow the theme of love; but religion is also linked into his language. His powerful love for Juliet makes him think about religion and marriage. Shakespeare has introduced religious imagery in order to make the audience realise Romeo’s love for Juliet is very powerful.
“…make blessed my rude hand.”
(Act 1 Scene 5)
I think that the way in which Romeo uses religious imagery is a very unique style of language. It shows his other side to his character.
The way in which Shakespeare links two themes together is very effective; this makes the scene more dramatic. It also gives the audience a clearer view of what the character is thinking.
Shakespeare has made the play dramatically effective by using juxtaposition. This is when the he links to themes together; in this case it is love and hate.
At the beginning, the scene runs straight into hatred, when evil comments are thrown and nasty language is used.
Shakespeare then switches to love, and brings in strong, powerful adjectives. This link of two different themes makes it much more exciting for the audience to watch and enjoy.
In conclusion, throughout Act 1 we see examples of many different presentations of love and hate. In addition to those themes, there are links from different themes, which include fate and religion.
Shakespeare also brings duty and authority in to this Act. Duty is shown when Juliet agrees to marry Paris, only to keep her father happy. But at the same time she realises her duty remains with her new husband Romeo. Here she is torn in between two important people in her life. As now Romeo has become her master; this means she must stand by him.
This in 1595 was very common in big households, as after marriage, the wife would commit herself to her husband. It was her duty, to love and cherish their partners.
This would have been very exciting for the audience to watch and react to; especially for woman, as it is something they can relate to.
Capulet already arranges Juliets wedding; unaware she has already committed herself to Romeo!
“…O' Thursday let it be: o' Thursday, tell her,
She shall be married to this noble earl.”
(Act 3 scene 4)
By using words like “noble” gives the audience a better understanding of the personality of character of Paris.
Shakespeare has presented these themes exceptionally well; the best way he has portrayed these themes personalities of the fellow characters.
Hatred and love is linked throughout act 1, and this carries on into the rest of the play. For example the hatred of Tybalt remains alive, his sheer hatred is shown in act 3 again:
“Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries
That thou hast done me, therefore turn and draw.”
(Act 3, Scene 1)
Tybalt does not forget that Romeo gate crashed his family’s party; therefore he seeks him out for a fight later. Representing his sheer evil that he has for all Montagues.
Shakespeare has varied the play with a mixture of presentations of the two themes love and hate, he creates tension, and drama in the right places. Making the audience stand on edge throughout the play. This makes it an exciting play to watch and enjoy.
He has linked the beginning and ending of the play together. At the start he immediately creates tension, which is followed throughout the play by the dramatic irony of the prologue, making the audience start to wonder when things will happen.
Questions like...”Who will fall in love?”
“Who is the conflict between?”
“Who will die?”
This makes the play more effective.
I think the prologue is an interesting feature, which Shakespeare has used to make the play more enjoyable; and will keep the audience involved.
Shakespeare’s tragic, yet romantic play is presented exceptionally well, with different aspects of love and hate, the effective use of juxtaposition adds to the dramatic effect.
By Aruna Bhalla
