Lucila Cirio

        ROMEO AND JULIET – WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

        ACT 1; SCENE 5

“Romeo and Juliet” is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare, an English playwright and poet who lived from 1564 to 1616. It isn’t certain the exact date in which he wrote this masterpiece, but it’s estimated that most of his work was written between 1589 and 1613. The play basically tells the story about two “star crossed lovers” who, as the Prologue predicts, are destined to commit suicide due to their inability to secure their love.

        The extract of Act 1: Scene 5, occurs after the first encounter between Romeo and Juliet in the Capulet’s ball. Romeo isn’t supposed to be there as both their families are in constant dispute. Therefore, as Tybalt notices his presence, he protests to his uncle, who does not respond to his wishes. Romeo and Juliet’s eyes meet and they fall in love at first sight.

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        This dialogue between the two lovers introduces the problem that will always haunt their relationship, as their families keep interrupting them during the scene, “Madam, your mother craves a word with you”. With this line, the Nurse brings the protagonists back to reality, as well as when Romeo realizes that Juliet is a Capulet. In that moment, he becomes conscious that his worst fear had become true and he cries out: “my life is my foe’s debt!”. This means that Romeo is now aware that reality won’t allow them to accomplish their love. Therefore, it’s possible to determine two main ...

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