Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet: Act 1, Scene 5

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Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet: Act 1, Scene 5

There is a sense of excitement and romance in this scene, but also an undercurrent of danger.  These are shown at many points in the scene, such as the point at which the servants are preparing for the party, where Romeo sees Juliet for the first time, where Tybalt discovers that Romeo is a Montague and argues over it with Capulet, where Romeo meets Juliet and they kiss, and where Romeo and Juliet discover each others’ identities.

In line 1, Servant 1 speaks with annoyance, as he prepares for the dance, as Potpan (another servant) is not working.  There is a sense of excitement here, mainly because Romeo and Benvolio are arriving in disguise with the Masquers, at the party of their enemy.  In line 2, Servant 1’s tone changes to sarcasm; it seems to become “He?!  Shift a trencher?!…” In lines 3 & 4, Servant 2 makes a comment about Potpan, saying that he never washes his hands “… and they unwashed too”.  In line 9, servant 1 calls Anthony and Potpan and tells them that they are wanted elsewhere.  When they are told this, Potpan makes a quick remark to the effect of “How can we be in two places at once?” or “If I am wanted there, why are you calling me over here?”  At his point, the audience is worried that the audience will find out that Romeo is a Montague, this creates an atmosphere of danger and excitement.

In lines 16-24, Capulet welcomes his guests, giving a special welcome to the masquers.  He is a jovial host, and he is pleased to see the masquers because they help to make his party spontaneous and lively.  He is also probably honoured that so many people who weren’t invited would want to come to his party.  He is also happy to see the masquers because they remind him of the time when he was young and he starts reminiscing of his time as a masquer, but he is reminded that he could not do such a thing now, as he is too old to dance.  In lines 26-34 Capulet is probably given orders to servants, requesting more light, etc.  Capulet may have been worried, as he does not know who the masquers are, but this does not seem to worry him at this point, or indeed right to the end of the scene; even when he finds out the identity of Romeo he does not seem terribly fussed!  The audience is still tense, and worried that Capulet will find out who Romeo is.

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At line 41 we move to a different place in the scene, as now we are listening to Romeo rather than Capulet.  This is the point at which Romeo first catches a glimpse of Juliet, and instantaneously falls in love, and forgets Rosaline.  Romeo’s speech from line 43-52 is full of romance, and the rhyming couplets enhance this.  There is a lot of romantic imagery, such as “She doth teach the torches to burn bright” – in those times there would have been flaming torches for lighting, and it is as if she can be brighter than they ever will ...

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