At the start of Act 1 Scene 5 Shakespeare indicates that the workers are servants by using descriptive language to stereotype. Lines 3-4: “When good manners shall lie all in one or two men’s hands, and they unwashed too, `tis a foul thing.” This gives the impression that they are very busy and unclean as they are working at a fast pace. Shakespeare uses word play to create comedy here because ‘foul’ has two meanings. In this case, one is being physically dirty/messy and the other being crude in personality. Lines 5-10 are orderly spoken ones and should be spoken in such a way with sharp, short, clear sentences and then the order to be undertaken; “Away with the joint-stools, remove the court cupboard, look to the plate.” Shakespeare uses this effective language to show orders are being barked. The joking and bustle of the servants would create a fast moving and hectic moment. Both tension and comedy would be cast upon the audience at this point. Shakespeare is known for including comic scenes such as this in his tragedies. Capulet’s entrance, from the central staircase should be a happy, joyful one as he’s clearly excited about his party. As Caplet is the head of the house and leader of the party the actor playing him would wear rich coloured clothes such as purple, gold and red and be very smartly dressed in trousers, waistcoat and gown. Line 15 which reads “Welcome, gentlemen!” would be spoken in an uplifting kind-hearted way to welcome all guests. He then repeats the phrase which has emphasis upon it, making the guests feel very welcome and at ease with one another.
When Romeo enters the stage from the door on the left, he should almost gasp for breath as he catches sight of Juliet for the very first time. The words;
“O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright,
it seems she hangs upon the cheek of night
As a rich jewel in an Ethiop’s ear-
Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear.”
Should be spoken in a heart warming, tender way to show his deep love for Juliet. The rhyming couplets help to create an even more romantic spirit. Romeo’s comparision between light and dark shows how much Juliet’s beauty stands out from other women. Even though his words are racist the Ethiop’s, it shows her superiority over other people. It would be clear that he found Juliet more attractive than his thought loved one, Rosaline, by his expressive tone and actions.
As Tybalt spies Romeo, a Montague, he should put on a furious tone as he sends his page to fetch a sword to strike Romeo dead. He uses offensive words such as ‘slave,’ ‘villain’ and ‘foe.’ These suggest he is a wicked, intolerable man and his hatred for Romeo is extreme. There is also a strong sense of rivalry here. Rhyming couplets in lines 57-58 and 61-62 make the words flow more easily and letters such as K, D and V give it a sharp, hard edge.
Initially, Capulet tries to calm Tybalt from killing Romeo by using the words ‘virtuous and well-governed youth’ to describe his trouble less presence. The actor of this part, playing Capulet should have an increasingly loud and hostile tone of voice. Towards the end of the argument, Capulet uses sharp, snappy sentences to create even more anger, shown by the syntax in lines 84-86.
When Romeo meets Juliet he uses descriptive language in the form of a sonnet to create religious imagery. The sonnet is used because it’s traditionally Elizabethan love poetry which ties in extremely well to what Romeo is saying to Juliet. He takes it in turn to speak the lines of the sonnet with her which shows they are in tune with each other. These lines (103-105) should be spoken softly, clearly and romantically whilst gazing in to each other’s eyes: -
Juliet- “Saints do not move, though grant for prayer’s sake.”
Romeo- “Then move not, while my prayer’s effect I take. Thus from my lips, by thine, my sin is purged.”
This would take place in a more reserved, quiet part of the room, out of the way from the main singing and dancing. They end the sonnet with rhyming couplets accompanied by a kiss. The imagery leads to the kiss because of Romeo referring to the saints granting prayers. She should now be relaxed with a passionate look upon her face and feel fondness towards him. The lighting at this particular time should be clear, but soft and only focused on Romeo and Juliet creating an idyllic moment. Smoothly flowing music would be playing at a fairly low volume and furnishing fabrics should be cool, frosted colours to give a tranquil feel.
Romeo, now more in love than ever before, goes along to ask the nurse who Juliet is and tragically discovers she’s a Capulet, the daughter of his family’s enemy. We know he is shocked and distraught by his words; “My life is my foe’s debt.” Meaning he’s pledged to his enemy. The actor’s head should fall in to his hands after saying those words in a troubled, distressed way. He should be on his own with the spotlight on him only to create a sense of loneliness and despair.
When Juliet asks the nurse to identify Romeo, she too is devastated by the news of finding out he is a Montague. Suspense is added before this point because the nurse identifies the wrong gentleman a few times, probably not correctly seeing where Juliet was desperately pointing. She would gasp after hearing such news and she too may bury her head in her hands whilst saying, “My only love sprung from my only hate.” This interprets that her loved one is the son of the one she and her family hate. This ties in with two of the main themes of the play, love and hate, and conflict.
By now Romeo must be feeling very confused and crushed as he previously thought he was in love with the beautiful Rosaline and then goes on to find out his true love, Juliet, is of his family’s enemy. Romeo and Juliet should be standing at either ends of the main gathering area with the usual talking and dancing still going on between them to generate a distracted mood.
Act 1 Scene 5 is important because it shows the themes in the play; of love and hate, rivalry between families, youth and authority. The hate is shown between the two families and it is doubtful that the love between Romeo and Juliet will overcome that. The Character Tybalt represents youth in the play. He is very aggressive, hot tempered and hates all Montagues and often speaks without thinking, contrary to Capulet who is clearly older and wiser. He is kind and gentle towards his daughter, Juliet and is used to having his own way. Overall this scene is exciting and we are left in suspense on many occasions due to the well-written style of Shakespeare’s language.
Jo Cade
