"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare By what means does Shakespeare engage his audience in the Prologue and first three scenes of 'Romeo and Juliet'? What are our expectations?
"Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare
By what means does Shakespeare engage his audience in the Prologue and first three scenes of 'Romeo and Juliet'? What are our expectations?
Right at the beginning of any text, it is vital that the author is able to engage the audience or reader's attention. Shakespeare was almost thirty years old when he wrote the successful play, 'Romeo and Juliet'. Although 'Romeo and Juliet' was popularised by William Shakespeare, it actually originated form an Italian prose writer called Meccucio Salerintano. Salerintano first wrote it in 1476; however, Shakespeare's source may have come from a minor Elizabethan poet called Arthur Brooke. He wrote a narrative poem with the name of 'The Tragical History of Romeus and Juliet'. Before 'Romeo and Juliet', Shakespeare had completed two tragedies, 'Richard III' and 'Titus Adronicus,' both of which included pride, envy, murder and intrigue. Then, in 1595, 'Romeo and Juliet' was produced and the characters from this play, acted like the characters of his previous romantic comedies. The play is a sorrowful tragedy, which includes laughter, happiness and sensitivity even though we already know the ending is dark and painful to everyone. Shakespeare created a strong narrative that always keeps the audience interested in what happens next, but at the same time, he also looked into the ideas of; ways in which happiness turns to suffering where the characters do not even have the full understanding of love, how good intentions are not enough and how the imagination of those in love can make everything else. The play was widely known around Europe already and therefore, had a vague understanding of it. However, Shakespeare altered it in a way where the audience wants to know how the story unfolds. The audience were not interested in what the story was about but were more concerned in how the story is revealed. The very first section includes the prologue, which tells us in brief what the audience is to expect. Prologue means 'I speak before' and the Greeks used the prologue as a chorus, which brings songs, but in this case, the play, altogether. It is a summary, which help the audience understand the play with ease. This then enables the audience to enjoy how well the play is presented by the actions and words of each character constituted by the great William Shakespeare.
Conflict is a major theme in 'Romeo and Juliet', which is portrayed throughout the whole play. The Prologue is the very first part of the play, which is heard or read first. This therefore must be essential in keeping the audience engaged in the play. Shakespeare does this by briefly revealing to us what we are to expect and makes the audience aware of the dramatic irony intended to occur. It is written in sonnet form and is split into three quatrains, excluding the last two lines, which are a rhyming couplet, to create a rhythm in order to help the audience remember the prologue. The first line, 'Two households, both alike in dignity', straightaway informs us of who is involved in the play and how their eminence is familiar to both families. The key words in the first sentence are 'alike' and 'dignity', already suggesting that they are both rivals. In my view, they are thought to be competing to prove which family is greater in status, as, at the moment, they are both very similar.
It is the primary line that inaugurates the theme of conflict, but our knowledge of the theme expands as we find out that it commenced, 'From ancient grudge ', highlighting that the feud has not just started but has been going on for many years. It is made clear after reading, 'From forth the fatal loins of these two foes, a pair of star crossed lovers take their life', that Romeo and Juliet are doomed to die due to the interference of the similarities from both the Montagues and Capulets. It is apparent the prologue introduces the theme of conflict and the dramatic irony that will happen, which we will therefore expect in the play, encouraging the readers to read on.
It is extremely significant that the play opens with a fight scene as it makes the audience feel a part of it. Although it is written with fairly difficult language, the sentences are making it relatively understandable, enabling us to find out where the argument is heading. The spectacle of the brawl is full and stimulating, which is certain to engage the attention of the audience.
At the beginning, Sampson and Gregory talk of sexual and physical bravado and introduces yet another theme, masculine honour. It is important in Verona that a man must defend his honour whenever it is violated against, whether physically or verbally. This notion of masculine honour is present through every layer in Verona, even through servants, for example, Sampson and Gregory.
The fight became a bit more serious when Sampson planned to 'bite my thumb at them, which is a disgrace if they bear it,' because the biting of your thumb was an obscene gesture in those days. This event is an opening of economy, descriptive power, excitement and it also brings the levels of curiosity, higher.
There is a great contrast between Tybalt and Benvolio. They are not very alike at all. Tybalt, a Capulet, wants to fight, 'Turn thee, Benvolio; look upon thy death.' His intentions are strong especially because of his hatred of all Montague's, ...
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The fight became a bit more serious when Sampson planned to 'bite my thumb at them, which is a disgrace if they bear it,' because the biting of your thumb was an obscene gesture in those days. This event is an opening of economy, descriptive power, excitement and it also brings the levels of curiosity, higher.
There is a great contrast between Tybalt and Benvolio. They are not very alike at all. Tybalt, a Capulet, wants to fight, 'Turn thee, Benvolio; look upon thy death.' His intentions are strong especially because of his hatred of all Montague's, 'I hate hell, all Montague's, and thee.' However, Benvolio, a Montague whose name means 'I wish well,' wants peace to remain, 'I do but keep the peace.' This brawl was not caused by Tybalt and Benvolio but from the servants from each household, conveying that the argument was widely spread even to the level of servants as I have previously said. The lower classes portray the difficulty of their lives; difficulties that the Capulets and Montagues would not have to face if they were not so blinded by honour and hatred. Furthermore, the men of the family feel obliged to be part of the feud even in their old age, but the women greatly disagree, 'Thou shalt not stir one fool to seek a foe,' as they think it is wrong an inappropriate. The fathers are meant to be setting an example. And as the fathers of both parties' think this, makes us expect conflict to remain present throughout the novel.
In the middle of scene I, Prince Escalus is introduced whose name may be significant to this part of the play. His name, Escalus, may have derived from the word, 'scales,' meaning balanced which implies that he does not take anyone's side making him unbiased or neutral. The Prince gives a speech and promptly insults both houses saying, 'you beasts.' The speech echoes the measured style of the prologue as Shakespeare had mentioned it then. The warnings, 'If you ever you disturb our streets again, your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace,' and, 'once more, on pain of death, all men depart,' are spoken with the full weight of a royal sentence of legal judgement which threatens torture for everyone and death for the heads of the two warning households. The frame of mind changes from violence to quite calm as the Prince makes his speech. This is done by the strong and powerful words he uses such as, 'you beasts,' 'bloody hands,' and 'mistempered weapons,' to name just a few, which makes the crowds feel fearful of the penalty.
Private passion is another theme in the play initiated by the brawl, which is revealed by Sampson carefully asking, 'Is the law on our side, if I say 'Ay'' and therefore after the Prince establishes the punishment of death for anyone who disturbs the peace again, the levels of private passion are raised to new degree.
It is noticed that Lady Montague has been quiet once asking, 'O where is Romeo?' This might represent her respect of her son and his emotions or maybe her deep involvement and sympathy of her son. Although she is quiet, she is concerned about his son and is 'glad he was not at this fray.' Lady Montague's apprehension for Romeo introduces more personal feeling. The monosyllable she speaks requires careful stressing and the effect is strengthened by concluding rhyme. However Lady Montague is not the only one worried about him. Montague indicates that 'a good counsel may the cause remove.' The two couplets
'Black and portentous must this humour approve,
Unless good counsel may the cause remove.' And
'Could we but learn from whence his sorrows grow,
We would as willingly would give cure as known,'
Ensure that the main facts of the situation are clearly understood by the audience, despite all the images and curious elaboration of Montague's descriptions. They also point the dramatic irony of Montague being anxious about Romeo's sorrow and yet unaware of the doom already foretold by the prologue- the consequence of his own strife and rage.
Conflict is not only present in the public between the two families but also internally in Romeo. He isolates himself from everyone as he does not want people to know about his love for Rosaline and what makes it worse is that his love is not returned and would prefer it if his family didn't know. Romeo creates night when it is day and therefore makes both Montague and Benvolio worried. Romeo enters and it is Benvolio's duty to find out what is wrong with him and so Lady Montague and Montague leave.
Romeo is reluctant to speak about what is wrong and when Benvolio brings up the subject of love, Romeo starts to speak in a sad yet angry manner. Within Romeo he is debating whether to tell Benvolio about his unrequited love.
In scene II, we meet Paris who was in conversation with Capulet. Capulet is aware of the consequences which is shown by, 'Montague's bound as well as I, in penalty alike.' Paris reveals that he would like to get married to Juliet and asks permission. This then leads us to expect to encounter trouble. By just reading what Capulet said, we realise that Juliet is very much more constrained than Romeo. Capulet is seen as a kind man and has some respect for Juliet, 'My will to her consent is but a part,' although he feels obliged to force her into marriage with his power. However, it is not specifically said in the text so far that Romeo is in love with Juliet but is in fact is devoted to Rosaline.
Scene III is Juliet's premier appearance and is portrayed as a delightful and obedient young child. Juliet and her father is another example of conflict in the family. In those days, it was traditional to have arranged marriages and therefore Capulet organizes Juliet to marry Paris. Capulet believes that they should get together as he, just like them, are high in status. Although Lady Capulet got married at a young age, she too supports Capulet. Juliet as a young lady has neither choice nor power in any social situation.
Impetuous love is another main theme Shakespeare uses to engage his audience. Love is initially presented tragically in the prologue, 'a pair of star across lovers take their life,' implying that it is their destiny to die for the love of each other. We are told in the prologue that they are rivals, but towards the end, it is shown that nothing stands in their way of achieving what they want.
Love is almost immediately introduced in scene I, by the servants. Sampson indicates, 'I will take the will of any man or maid of Montague's,' and continues, 'I will push Montague's from the wall, and thrust his maids to the wall,' due to his hatred of them. This is a sexual innuendo. This also refers to the role of women as the man dominates. Love here, has been transferred to hate and has motivated Sampson to speak of 'rape' in a cruel context. Sampson mentions quite a few sexual innuendo's including, 'their maiden-heads- take it in what sense,
'me they shall feel while I am able to stand; and tis'
known I am a pretty piece of flesh' and finally,
'Draw thy tool.'
Shakespeare includes this not only to demonstrate sexual bravado but for humour to keep the reader interested.
The beginning of scene I is mostly about the brawl and concentrates more on conflict between the two families, however, as we near the end of that particular scene, we are found to be more involved with Romeo and his love situation. Even before Romeo appears, his father talks of him because Romeo avoids them, symbolising that he does not want to talk about his affairs. Benvolio reveals that he found Romeo 'underneath a Sycamore tree,' which is a pun relating to the French word, amour. When put together, it means sick of love.
Once Montague and Lady Montague leave, Benvolio has to try and discover what is affecting him. Just in the first few lines of Benvolio's and Romeo's conversation, love, once again appears, not as sexual innuendos, but this time in a much more serious perspective. Benvolio asks, 'What sadness lengthens Romeo's hours?' and Romeo replies, 'Not having that which having makes them short,' which is rather ironic as Romeo wants love and therefore his life is short. We previously identify this through the prologue. Elizabethan's had an aristocratic view on love and so they thought it would always be bad as Benvolio indicates, 'so gentle in his view.'
As soon as Benvolio speaks of love, Romeo attempts to confuse the issue, but when he uncovers the essential truth, he emphasizes each word as if the facts were almost unbelievable and quite without justification. At line 169, Romeo honestly unveils the truth, 'here's much to do with hate, but more with love.' This may not be extremely important in engaging the audience because they may already believe that his unrequited love is Juliet. But this is not the case, thus it will be a shock to the audience when they discover who it really is.
His thoughts are of the clash between love and hate, which then places brutal and outrageous images in his head. This is also shown by the words he uses,
'Why then, O brawling love, O loving hate,
O anything, of nothing first create!
O heavy lightness, serious vanity,
Misshapen chaos of well-seeming forms,
Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health,
Still waking sleep, that is not what it is!'
Which also represents the confusion of his feelings and the contrast between them. This is an example of an oxymoron and the contradictions in life. It is applied in order to express the perplexity of Romeo's emotions. It is also apparent that Romeo recognizes that Rosaline is a Capulet, the enemy, which is why his words of love and hate are intertwined, 'O brawling love, O loving hate.'
Once more, Romeo attempts to leave but Benvolio follows him and brings up the subject of love yet again. The word 'love' catches Romeo's attention; only this time, he counter's Benvolio's question by mocking his seriousness. In this section, there is a distinction between Rosaline and Juliet's attitude to love. Rosaline, 'hath forsworn to love,' indicating her love will not open out for anyone at this moment, and as he continues, 'and in that vow, do I live dead, that live to tell it now,' reinforces the idea of Romeo finding love and life, and when he does, it will result in death. Romeo is caught up in 'false' or 'artificial' love. When real love comes, it will come as Juliet and will be a great impact in his life. The way he feels about Rosaline is much different to his feelings towards Juliet.
As I have previously mentioned, we start scene II with Capulet and Paris, and his wish to marry Juliet as soon as possible. The information that we are told at the end of scene I, and the beginning of scene II, is surprising to the reader as we were lead to believe that it is Romeo and Juliet getting together, but it is apparent they are not and create a sense of curiosity.
Capulet is presented as a kind hearted man and has faith in his daughter, 'earth hath swallowed all my hopes but she; She is the hopeful day of my earth.' But this quote too, has dramatic irony, because Juliet dies in the end and therefore will have nothing to live for.
Capulet then leaves after his lecture, leaving Peter, his servant with a piece of paper. Romeo and Benvolio enter and meet Peter, who is at fault, as he cannot read the list of whom he is meant to invite for the party. Romeo is persistent and patient with Peter. As he reads the list aloud to Peter, a name mentioned caught his attention; Rosaline. By now, he is even more tolerant with Peter because he realises that this is his chance to discover more about Rosaline. To return the favour, Peter prayed, 'come and crush a cup of wine,' and then left.
Of course, Romeo would take advantage of this due to his adoration of Rosaline. Benvolio also encourages him, 'go thither, and with attained eye, compare her face with some that I shall show.' This is another example of dramatic irony as Romeo take's Benvolio's advice and ironically, he does find another woman who happens to be Juliet. Presently however, Romeo questions, 'one fairer than my love?' believing that there is no one else for him, but there is. Rosaline starts to fade out at the end of scene II.
By introducing the nurse before Juliet in scene III, Shakespeare at one stroke made the drama domestic, bawdy, and affectionate in tone. As she speaks in turn to Lady Capulet and Juliet, the nurse's speech is more dynamic and rhythmically varied than any so far in the play. Shakespeare was also able to introduce his heroin almost silently, so that in her first scene, Juliet speaks only seven lines. Attention is of course, focused on her, and her response is crucial for the development of the scene; yet she remains dutiful in speech and therefore mysterious and unknown. As lady Capulet did not ask any questions, the Nurse felt it was necessary to speak. Her long speech about the death of her daughter may indicate the events that could happen to Juliet. The bawdy lines 43-45:
'Thou wilt fall backward when thou hast more wit;
Wilt thou not, Jule?" And, by my holidam,
The pretty wretch left crying and said, "Ay"'
Provide a climax for the speech, making the nurse helpless with laughter and provoking three repetitions, two against the express wish of Lady Capulet. Probably the nurse should make an attempt to be silent or serious and then give in to her own instincts. Juliet's involvement is effective as she may either be embarrassed by her Nurse's bawdiness or may know that more is likely to follow and offend her mother.
It is in this scene where Juliet speaks her thoughts of marriage and believes it is, 'an honour I dream not of,' for she is still young and has no plans to marry. This is considered as dramatic irony for she has no desire to marry Paris but when she meets Romeo, she falls in love and marries him almost straight away.
Then Lady Capulet asks, 'can you like Paris' love?' and Juliet answers,
I'll look to like, if looking liking move.
But no more deep will I endart my eye
Than your consent gives strength to make it fly,'
Reinforcing that she will meet him but Lady Capulet will have to wait before Juliet gives her verdict. The audience at this point will anticipate the judgment of young Juliet.
Finally, there is one last major theme in the play, fate and tragedy. When mentioning the word 'tragedy,' you automatically think death or a disaster outcome, which will make you want to know more about the event or situation. Shakespeare gives a hint of tragedy in the prologue, 'A pair of star-crossed lovers take their strife,' and so connects with the thoughts of the audience.
'Star-crossed lovers' are referred to as death. Their love brings both of them to an end and is thus, their destiny to die. The prologue gives a summary to what we expect to happen, but Shakespeare carefully made this to embody the divine intervention of Romeo and Juliet. In the Elizabethan times, the audience were lead to believe that fate always causes tragedy.
As we know, we begin in a fight scene. Romeo is in fact not there, which may symbolise that Romeo is not part of the feud or that he is involved greatly. The quarrelling of 'fools' is turned to 'civil mutiny' as the prologue warned. Although Benvolio seeks to 'keep the peace,' he is soon fighting as Tybalt threatens him with 'death'. The Capulet's and the Montague's are built on hate where as Romeo and Juliet is built on love and subsequently, inevitability is introduced.
The prophetic words of Prince Escalus, 'your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace,' is ironic because we know that Romeo and Juliet, from each household, dies as a consequent to the feud that has been going on for many years. It is an insight for those who don't know, of what will tragically happen.
Romeo's unrequited love leads his life, but when another lady returns his love, his life comes to an end. The ironic in this is visible as we read Romeo and Benvolio's conversation. Romeo's fate as he believes, is to be with Juliet no matter what. So his determination to spend eternity with Juliet is his destiny to die. Romeo claims he is a victim of bad luck, in saying that he is "Fortune's fool"
The mechanism of fate works in all of the events surrounding the lovers, including the feud between their families. This event is not mere coincidence, but manifestations of fate that help bring about the unavoidable outcome of the young lovers' deaths. Fate in the play is influenced by the social situations and the personalities of each character.
In scene II, Capulet recalls that he has nothing to live for but for his daughter, but because he is at war with whom Juliet loves, she dies as a consequence of this. It is bad luck to him and for both Romeo and Juliet.
Peter's obvious flaw of not being able to read is Romeo's chance to meet Rosaline, but this is his fate to first meet Juliet. Meeting Peter was a fateful coincidence. Benvolio himself said to look for other women and this is what happened when he went to Capulet's party. Benvolio urges Romeo to go to the party for the women, but Lady Capulet urges Juliet to go to meet Paris, giving the audience the benefit of the doubt. The audience at this point is now aware of how Juliet and Romeo meet.
In scene III, the Nurse comments, 'An I might live to see thee married once, I have my wish,' implies that she will see Juliet's marriage with Paris, but not only does she miss it, but Juliet's husband to be is a different man. The nurse's speech is significant and refers to the death of her own child. The audience by now is much more interested as they now know more about the events.
Overall, we can see that Shakespeare has created an atmosphere, which engages the audience right from the beginning. He uses imagery, emotive words, dramatic irony and various other techniques to do so. In the beginning, the prologue tells us what we are to expect, and as we near the end of scene III, our expectations are answered, but we are curious of how the events happen. Shakespeare has successfully completed his task to seize our mind.
Rhodalie A. Nebrida 11E
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