How effectively does Shakespeare develop the themes of love and hate in act one scene five of Romeo And Juliet?

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How Effectively Does Shakespeare Develop The Themes Of Love And Hate In Act One Scene Five Of Romeo And Juliet?

Laurence Phillips

0G1

The fifth scene in act one is remarkably important in the story for a number of reasons. It is the first time that Romeo lays his eyes on Juliet and becomes overwhelmed by her beauty.

"O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!"

He has forgotten all about his previous love Rosaline and realises that up until this point he has not known the true meaning of love. "I ne'er saw true beauty till this night."

It is also incredibly important because it is the first opportunity for a conflict to occur between the Capulet and Montague families. The fact that The Prince warns both Lord Capulet and Lord Montague in act one scene one of the play with the words

"... If ever you disturb our streets again your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace," means that the suspense is greatly added to.

Romeo's remarks at the very end of act one scene four about his expectations of the evening's party makes the next scene very interesting for the audience.
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"... For my mind misgives some consequence, yet hanging in the stars shall bitterly begin his fearful date."

Shakespeare presents the theme of hate in quite a few ways, one of them being the prologue.

"From ancient grudge break to new mutiny" is a quotation from the prologue that informs us of previous hate felt between both families and tells us of a "new mutiny" about to arise, building up the tension for the first scene.

During the first scene, Tybalt tells Benvolio:

"...Peace? I hate the word, as I hate hell, ...

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