Romeo and Juliet - Act 1 scene 5, Why I think this is an important scene

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ACT 1 SCENE 5

WHY I THINK THIS IS

AN IMPORTANT SCENE

THE GREAT HALL

CAPULETS MANSION.

I have chosen this scene as I believe it is very important to the play because it is where Romeo meets Juliet for the first time.  During the scene we, the audience, witness many changes in both the emotions and the actions of the characters and we also become aware of the contrast between love and hate.  These are two emotions that run throughout the play in many forms.

Capulet is holding a ball in order to introduce his thirteen year old daughter Juliet to his kinsman Paris.  Earlier in Act One Paris asked Capulet’s permission to woe and marry Juliet.  This subject was broached by Lady Capulet and the Nurse, who gives a rude bawdy significance to marriage. Juliet, being only thirteen, stated that it is not something she has really given much consideration to but she will look at Paris to see if marriage would be acceptable.  A very young and naïve Juliet at this point who has quite an immature outlook on love.

Romeo meanwhile has seen the invitations to the ball and has noticed the name Rosaline on the list; she is Capulet’s niece and the object of his unrequited love. It is decided that Romeo and his friends will gate crash the ball. Romeo’s intention is to see Rosaline, Benvolio’s intention is to show the love sick Romeo that there are plenty other women who’s beauty surpasses that of Rosaline “Compare her face with some that I shall show, And I will make thee think thy swan a crow” (act 1 Sc 2).  Romeo is quite insistent that this will never be the case as he is completely smitten with Rosaline. Surprisingly since Rosaline is such a major factor in the beginning, she is never actually seen on stage.

When Romeo and his friends enter the party, the feast is over and the servingmen have cleared the floor of tables and chairs in order that the dancing may begin. Capulet encourages his guests to dance and have a good time, telling them that he is too old for such frivolities but they are young and able. At this point  Romeo catches his first sight of Juliet and is instantly bowled over by her beauty “Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear: So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows” (Line 46-47). Romeo uses almost the exact turn of phrase that Benvolio had used earlier. This shows that he is also very young, if he can change his mind so quickly on subject of love. It also shows that it was an infatuation with Rosaline not “the real thing”. He asks one of the passing servants who the girl is but they don’t know her (evidently Capulet has hired extra staff to cater for the party).

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On over-hearing Romeo speak to the servant and recognizing his voice, Tybalt is incensed that a Montague has the gall to attend the party and instantly orders his servant to fetch his sword so that he can deal with Romeo.  Tybalt is convinced that the only reason a Montague would do such a thing was to cause trouble. Witnessing the anger in Tybalt, Capulet approaches him to find the cause “Why, how now, kinsman, wherefore storm you so?” (line 59).  The audience is now being subjected to both the major emotions in this scene, love and hate.  Capulet tells Tybalt ...

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