Matt Adams
How does the violence and conflict in Act 1, Scene 1 of Romeo and Juliet prepare the audience for the events which are to unfold later in the play?
The play starts off with a prologue that lets the audience know everything that will take place in the play later on. This interests the audience into wanting to know how these events come to place. Although the prologue gives away the story, it is only brief and people still get intrigued by how the play unfolds.
In Act 1, Scene 1 there is violence and conflict between the two families, the Montagues and the Capulets. This has obviously been going on for a long time and it is very physical violence. “I hate the word as I hate hell, all Montagues and thee,” this is Tybalt trying to provoke Benvolio, which works as they begin to fight. Tybalt’s way of thinking is if you want peace you’re a coward and he associates cowards with Montagues. This fight suits the behaviour of Tybalt, as he is a loyal but vengeful and scheming character whereas Benvolio is also loyal but he tries to make peace amongst everyone as well. When Capulet arrives he calls for his sword, “give me my long sword ho”. He has seen that there is a Montague and wants to kill him but Lady Capulet tries to talk him out of it briefly until Montague appears. The Prince arrives and his part is mainly to explain the grudge between the two families to the audience. After he leaves Montague asks Benvolio what happened. Benvolio tells the truth of what happened.
