We see more of Capulet’s antisocial behaviour in lines 16 through 41. “What man? ‘T is not so much”. This simple conversation between Capulet and his cousin highlights Capulet’s almost psychotic need to be right and his argumentative personality, reinforcing the already tense and chaotic atmosphere. Despite his often aggressive behaviour, however, Capulet does seem to be in a somewhat jovial manner as he greets his guests; “You are welcome gentlemen. Come musicians, play!” perhaps reflecting that the character is at his happiest when he is in control of a situation and leading others, again showing his domineering and controlling personality. His words also mirror Romeo’s actions upon first meeting Juliet, as Capulet goes on to say; “A whispering tale in a fair lady’s ear”, an act that an infatuated Romeo will later imitate whilst attempting to woo his crush ; “To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss”. Capulet’s uncharacteristic disposition, however, does not last long, as his mood becomes soured somewhat when Tybalt enters the scene, “’T is he that villain, Romeo”. This gives the scene a great amount of dramatic importance in relation to the later events of the play. It is in Act 1 scene 5 that we discover more about Capulet’s character, become familiar with his ever changing persona and learn more about the hot-blooded and unpredictable behaviour that will be the eventual downfall to Romeo and Juliet’s doomed relationship. It is also at this point that the audience first sees the contrasting characteristics between Tybalt and his uncle. Tybalt, the sanctimonious nephew seems convinced that his mistrusting assumptions regarding Romeo are correct, though appears slightly wary of enraging Capulet, “Uncle, this is a Montague, our foe” and shows this by repeatedly justifying his statements; “a villain that is hither come in spite, to scorn at our solemnity this night.” Capulet, on the other hand does not appear phased by Tybalt, speaking down to him in a rather patronising manner; “He shall be endured” and reminding him of his authority; “Am I the master here or you?” This highlights the power held by Capulet and reinforces, to a modern audience, his forceful attitude. It is ironic then perhaps that Tybalt, angry at Romeo’s intrusion, is scolded for showing the kind of prejudice that he probably learnt at the hands of his uncle. Indeed, this particular hatred can be traced back to the prologue; “the continuance of their parents rage” and builds throughout the remainder of the play, heightening tension, fear and anticipation. It is this perhaps that makes Act 1 Scene 5 so critically important to the story of Romeo and Juliet.
Romeo’s initial reaction to Juliet is very significant as the play unfolds. Upon first meeting the young Capulet, though he is of course unaware of her family name, he declares his love for her to the audience in the form of a soliloquy; “O she doth teach the torches to burn bright!...”. The use of such a monologue shows that Romeo’s words are an expression of his innermost feelings, making him appear far more passionate and endearing, and an overall more intimate character. His use of powerful imagery when describing Juliet as a “rich jewel…Beauty too rich for use” shows his love to be pure and honest, qualities not apparent in his earlier soliloquy to Rosaline, or in reality, in any facet of their relationship. In particular, the phrase “from love’s weak childish bow she lives unharm’d” suggests that Rosaline is something of a cold character, and that their liaison was a struggle of power between two very different, yet equally dominating forces. His relationship with Juliet however is much more fervent and spontaneous; “For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night”, indeed he seems almost overwhelmed by the depth of his love.
The significance of the first meeting between Romeo and Juliet cannot be over-estimated. After just a few moments of conversation, the language between the two becomes intimate and intense; “Let lips do what hands do”, symbolising the passion they share and the strength of their future relationship. Ironically, this strength only emphasises the eventual tragedy and hopelessness of their love, again reinforcing the empathy that the audience feels for the couple.
We also see a great deal of religious imagery throughout the scene, initially with Romeo comparing Juliet to a holy shrine. This is then followed with references to prayers, saints and pilgrims; “My lips, two blushing pilgrims…Saints do not move, though grant for prayers’ sake.” This use of imagery symbolises the purity of their love and the importance of religion in their everyday lives. Furthermore, the repetition of the word “sin” may represent the couple’s guilt at how their families will inevitably perceive their relationship.
In addition, the flirtatious nature of their conversation highlights the mutual attraction, though the use of religious imagery shows that their love is deep and enduring and not just based on a physical need.
It is at the end of the scene, however that we learn the most about the characters of Romeo and Juliet. Both deeply in love and giddy from young passion, the pair are distressed to discover, that far from being the perfect partner, their lover should, by the guidance of their parents, be regarded an enemy. Romeo’s reaction, one of genuine disappointment and fear, reinforcinces the audience’s view of him as a loving compassionate character, and shows, despite his relationship with Rosaline, that he is very much in love with Juliet. Juliet responds in a similar manner; “My only love sprung from my only hate” illustrating the despair that both characters feel knowing that the feud between their families can only cause them heartache. Coincidentally, or perhaps not, both characters learn the truth through conversations with the nurse, who may be seen as the metaphor for the bad news imparted to them and the unhappiness yet to come. The use of negative language; “grave…enemy…loathed” when Romeo and Juliet learn each other’s true identity serves to heighten the sense of foreboding and reinforces the uneasy atmosphere that prevails. Central to this scene is the timing of this realisation. Any sooner and their feelings for one another would never have blossomed into the infatuation that both feel.
Overall, Act 1 scene 5 is of great dramatic importance in relation to the play as a whole. It is within this particular scene that we see the fight for power between the characters, and learn more about the hatred that will mould the future for Romeo and Juliet. Capulet, we know, is a man of a demanding nature whose good natured banter within this scene belies his true personality, that of a volatile and unpredictable man. Tybalt, however does nothing to disguise his feelings of animosity towards the Montague family and will later be instrumental in the eventual tragedy that will unfold. One of the most dramatic incidents incorporated in this scene is Romeo and Juliet’s realisation that they are from opposing households, and therefore indulging in forbidden love. This coupled with the prophecy that Juliet makes that “ my grave is like to be my wedding bed” increases the sense of irony within the scene and heightens the tension between the main protagonists. Perhaps the saddest feature of this scene is the awareness that, despite the strength and depth of love between Romeo and Juliet, the relationship is doomed from the very beginning.