Act 1, scene 1 is set in the streets of Verona. It begins with two men, Sampson and Gregory, of the Capulet house roaming the streets. They begin to discuss their hatred for the Montague family, ‘A dog of the house of Montague moves me.’ This statement means that even the most menial member of the Montague house is despised enough to be considered a foe. The conversation on the opposing house continues, complete with obscene reference to the Montague women, ‘I will push Montague’s men from the wall, and thrust his maids to the wall.’ The sexual innuendo in this quotation clearly shows the disregard for women in the Tudor period. When Sampson states that he will cut off ‘the heads of the maids, or their maidenheads’ he actually means that his hatred of the Montague family is so great that he intends to rape the maids and take their virginity. Minutes later two men from the Montague family arrive and Sampson decides ‘I will bite my thumb at them; which is a disgrace to them, if they bear it.’ This is the most insulting gesture that anyone can do, and therefore provokes the pair. An argument ensues, which then progresses into a fight. Benvolio, a Montague and a close friend of Romeo’s, enters and attempts to stop the fighting. He is then challenged to fight of his own, after the arrival of Tybalt, Juliet’s cousin. ‘Turn thee, Benvolio, look upon thy death.’ They fight joined by more people, citizens and members of both houses.
The prince arrives, along with Lord and Lady Capulet, and Lord and Lady Montague. He is outraged and proclaims that ‘If you ever disturb our streets again, your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace.’ The prince’s warning is important because he mentions that the warring families ‘Have thrice disturb’d’ the streets of Verona. This creates a more in-depth knowledge of the situation that the people are in; there have been previous cases of violence and conflict in the city.
Act 3, Scene 1 begins with Benvolio and Mercutio in a public place. Benvolio, as per usual is in a cool, calm and collected mood, whereas Mercutio has his usual precarious, unpredictable and volatile disposition. Benvolio tries to persuade Mercutio to move along and ‘retire’, his reason being ‘the day is hot, the Capulet abroad, and, if we meet we shall not ‘scape a brawl; for now, these hot days, is the mad blood stirring.’ This statement shows that Benvolio seems to be aware that something is going to happen, but he wants to try and prevent it. Mercutio responds to this with his characteristic repartee, claiming that Benvolio is ‘as soon moved to be moody, and as soon moody to be moved.’ By this he means that Benvolio is easily provoked and loses his temper when someone attempts to do so. This is ironic, as this description actually fits Mercutio perfectly. This banter continues until a group of Capulet men enter, led by Tybalt. They demand to see Romeo, and insult Mercutio by claiming he ‘consorst’st with Romeo.’ Mercutio challenges Tybalt to a fight, and is refused. Romeo then enters and is in turn challenged by Tybalt. He refuses to fight Tybalt, as he has just married Juliet, tybalt’s cousin. Mercutio, again, dares Tybalt to fight him. This time the invitation is accepted.
A fight then follows. Romeo and Benvolio try to put an end to the spar, but Tybalt stabs Mercutio under Romeo’s arm. The Capulets flee, and mere minutes later Benvolio declares Mercutio dead. A vengeful Romeo then finds Tybalt and states to him ‘Mercutio’s soul is but a little way above our heads, staying for thine to keep him company: either thou, or I, or both, must go with him.’ By this, he means that Tybalt must die as a consequence of his actions, or he, Romeo, will die trying to make this happen.
The pair fight, subsequently Tybalt is killed; the death of Mercutio was avenged. Romeo, upon realizing what he has done, flees Verona. The prince then arrives, demanding an explanation. Benvolio informs the prince on the actions of the people involved, and endeavours to make Romeo’s actions heroic. Montague, trying to save his son, pronounces ‘his fault concludes but what the law should end, the life of Tybalt.’ By this he means that Romeo just carried out the actions that would have resulted anyway; he executed Tybalt. The prince answers by stating that Romeo is exiled and ‘when he’s found, that hour is his last,’ meaning that if Romeo is found he will be executed.
The consequences of the violent actions play an important role in the play, because it now acts as a barrier between the lovers, making it impossible for their relationship to succeed. It is also important because it creates a feeling of suspense; it is going to take dire actions to end the conflict between the two families.