Contrast the first occasion when Romeo and Juliet are together, at the Ball, Act 1 scene 5, with the last, Act 5 scene 3, when Romeo breaks into the Capulet tomb. Show how in each case the setting and atmosphere contribute to the power of the episode.

Authors Avatar

                                                                                20 February 2002

Romeo & Juliet

Contrast the first occasion when Romeo and Juliet are together, at the Ball, Act 1 scene 5, with the last, Act 5 scene 3, when Romeo breaks into the Capulet tomb. Show how in each case the setting and atmosphere contribute to the power of the episode.

Romeo and Juliet written by William Shakespeare, has been variously dated from 1591 to 1596. Over the centuries it has been one of Shakespeare’s most successful plays. It was acted in 1662, soon after the re-opening of the theatres. The play begins in Verona, Italy, a city that has had its peace shattered by the feud between two prominent families; the house of Montague and the house of Capulet. The Chorus tells us amidst this ancient grudge, “a pair of star-crossed lovers” will take their lives and their death will extinguish their parent’s rage. Romeo and Juliet forfeit their lives partly because of their parents’ hatred and prejudice, and this is foreshadowed throughout the play with reference to the stars and heaven.

Two of the most powerful Scenes in the play, include the occasion when Romeo and Juliet meet at the ball and instantly fall in love, amidst an atmosphere full of joy but also tension, as Romeo’s intrusion is discovered, and the final scene where Romeo breaks into the Capulet's tomb, to be with his love Juliet and ultimately takes his life as he believes she has taken hers; which ends the tragic and fatal love between them.

In Act one scene five, the dinner party festivities are about to commence at the house of Lord Capulet, a party that was attended by carefully selected, wealthy, important guests. The atmosphere is happy and joyful and there is a shift in mood and setting which relieves the tension from the last scene. The scene begins with two servants preparing the cutlery and crockery for the great chamber; where the masked ball is to take place. The scene is very busy and Lord Capulet welcomes his guests who arrive with their faces mystically covered with masks, he invites them to dance. Capulet creates a light-hearted atmosphere as he jokes with his guests; his mood is very different to what has been seen as authoritive in previous scenes. He jokes “Ladies that have their toes unplagued with corns will have a bout with you”, the ladies are embarrassed by this remark, as not dancing would show their age, this clearly shows a theme of age against youth, as Romeo and Juliet were two of the youngest people attending the dance.

 Lord Capulet calls for the musicians to play, and the dancing begins, which instantly creates a powerful ambiance within this scene. The great chamber is full of people dressed the most exquisite gowns of the finest fabrics, the atmosphere is in high sprits and everyone is enjoying the dancing, and the mystical atmosphere as the dancers faces are covered with masks. Lord Capulet reminisces with his cousin of the time they last wore masks, his cousin replies “By’r lady –thirty years”, which indicates time passing by quickly, this dramatically is all intended to lead up to Romeo’s first sighting of Juliet.

Join now!

Romeo and Benvolio arrive with their close friend Mercutio, and are standing in the background concealed amidst the masquer’s, watching the dancers, the climate here is one of suspense and tension, as Romeo and Benvolio have not been invited to Lord Capulet’s ball, as they are both Montague’s and bitter enemies. Romeo notices Juliet dancing and asks a servant, “What lady’s that doth enrich the hand of yonder knight?” the servant replied “I know not, sir”, Romeo at this point does not realise that Juliet is a Capulet. The tension of Romeo’s arrival now changes to a light-hearted and ...

This is a preview of the whole essay