But, I’m only studying Act 1 Scene 5, were Romeo and Juliet first meet. In this scene servants are frantically preparing for the upcoming party, held by the Capulet’s,
‘Away with the joint-stools, remove the
court-cupboard, look to the plate. Good thou, save
me a piece of marchpane; and, as thou lovest me, let
the porter let in Susan Grindstone and Nell.
Antony, and Potpan!’
This quote taken from the play, would be said frantically to emphasis to the audience that he’s giving out quick, last minute instructions to the servants for the party. This is to get the audience into a party mood.
Next, Lord Capulet is welcoming his quests to the party,
‘Welcome, gentlemen! ladies that have their toes
Unplagued with corns will walk a bout with you.
Ah ha, my mistresses! which of you all
Will now deny to dance? she that makes dainty,
She, I'll swear, hath corns; am I come near ye now?
Welcome, gentlemen! I have seen the day
That I have worn a visor and could tell
A whispering tale in a fair lady's ear,
Such as would please: 'tis gone, 'tis gone, 'tis gone.
You are welcome, gentlemen! come, musicians, play.
A hall, a hall! give room! and foot it, girls.’
Lord Capulet jokes on with his guests whilst he’s welcoming them, creating a party atmosphere, suggesting flirting and making last minute commands. By Lord Capulet doing this, the audiences get the feeling that they are inside the party and not looking upon it.
Then Romeo sets eyes on Juliet. The female part of the audience probably considers this as the most important part of the scene. Shakespeare uses dramatic irony, as the audience knows that Juliet is a Capulet and Romeo is a Montague, archrival families. So this would create suspense in the audience.
Meanwhile Tybalt hearing and recognizing Romeos voice, realizes there is a Montague at the party, he is creating so much noise that Lord Capulet himself, tells Tybalt to calm down and to leave Romeo alone. This also creates apprehension in the audience as they are wondering ‘is Romeo going to get removed from the party before he meets Juliet?’
Tybalt calms down and does what he is told, but swears he will get his revenge on Romeo,
‘I will withdraw, but this intrusion shall.
Now seeming sweet convert to bitter gall.’
Romeo, eventually does meet Juliet, he makes an excuse to hold her hand saying that she’s a holy shrine and when their hands meet, it’s like praying. He’s very careful for Juliet to understand that he’s not playing with her feelings,
‘If I profane with my unworthiest hand
This holy shrine, the gentle fine is this:
My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand
To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss.’
As they first kiss, Juliet’s nurse interrupts them, its anti-climax for the audience as they sit in anticipation, wondering where was that going to go if they weren’t interrupted.
While Juliet goes off to see her mother, Romeo asks the nurse whom Juliet’s mother is. As the nurse tells him she’s the she’s the lady of the Capulet house. Romeo instantly realises that this relationship isn’t going to be easy.
‘Is she a Capulet?
O dear account! My life is my foe's debt.’
Romeo is still dumb-founded as Benvolio, his best friend, tells him its time to go. Creating excitement and tension of un-answered questions.
Lord Capulet is also leaving the party to go to bed; he says to keep the party going, as there is plenty of food.
During that time Juliet asks the nurse to find out who Romeo is. The nurse misunderstands and points out a different man, creating more tension in the audience as they are wondering if Juliet will find out who Romeo is.
When she does, she also realises the trouble this is going to cause,
‘My only love sprung from my only hate!
Too early seen unknown, and known too late!
Prodigious birth of love it is to me,
That I must love a loathed enemy.’
They have both declared their love for each other but not towards each other.