Act 1 summary, Romeo and Juliet
Act 1 Summary
The scene starts with two servants of the Capulet's, Sampson and Gregory. They are discussing how they will fight the Montague's and be civil with the women. They use violent language and when they see a Montague servant they act threatening and rude. Sampson, being daring bites his thumb at Abram, a rude gesture in Shakespearian times and he is verbally intimidating. Tybalt and Benvolio enter. Tybalt is a more violent character, full of hatred, the opposite of good willed Benvolio who is peaceful and tries to calm the two families. They still end up fighting until an officer enters and splits them up. The master and lady of each house emerge. Both the males are launching themselves at each other and the ladies trying to calm them. The Prince disciplines them and threatens them to death if they fight again, showing authority. During the Prince's ruling we get an insight into the ongoing feud between the two families. The families depart each other's company and Lord Montague asks where Romeo is. We find out that Romeo has hidden in the woods, seeking solitude and avoiding trouble. Montague has no sympathy for Romeo, because at home he remains in his chambers, isolated and shutting out light, creating an artificial night. When we meet Romeo he tells Benvolio he is out of love, he is confused and overdramatising, intoxicated by love and not in control. He is acting selfish and feels rejected by Rosaline because she did not want sex with him. Benvolio gives him words of advice but Romeo dismisses it all. Capulet wants Paris to marry his daughter, Juliet and gives him permission to woo her. Capulet is protective of his daughter and doesn't want her to be marrying anyone so consents to Paris who is seeking approval. Capulet sends off a servant to give invites for his party that night. Romeo is complaining to Benvolio, when Capulet's servant enters asking Romeo to read the invite list as he is illiterate. Romeo sees Rosaline's name on the guest list,
The scene starts with two servants of the Capulet's, Sampson and Gregory. They are discussing how they will fight the Montague's and be civil with the women. They use violent language and when they see a Montague servant they act threatening and rude. Sampson, being daring bites his thumb at Abram, a rude gesture in Shakespearian times and he is verbally intimidating. Tybalt and Benvolio enter. Tybalt is a more violent character, full of hatred, the opposite of good willed Benvolio who is peaceful and tries to calm the two families. They still end up fighting until an officer enters and splits them up. The master and lady of each house emerge. Both the males are launching themselves at each other and the ladies trying to calm them. The Prince disciplines them and threatens them to death if they fight again, showing authority. During the Prince's ruling we get an insight into the ongoing feud between the two families. The families depart each other's company and Lord Montague asks where Romeo is. We find out that Romeo has hidden in the woods, seeking solitude and avoiding trouble. Montague has no sympathy for Romeo, because at home he remains in his chambers, isolated and shutting out light, creating an artificial night. When we meet Romeo he tells Benvolio he is out of love, he is confused and overdramatising, intoxicated by love and not in control. He is acting selfish and feels rejected by Rosaline because she did not want sex with him. Benvolio gives him words of advice but Romeo dismisses it all. Capulet wants Paris to marry his daughter, Juliet and gives him permission to woo her. Capulet is protective of his daughter and doesn't want her to be marrying anyone so consents to Paris who is seeking approval. Capulet sends off a servant to give invites for his party that night. Romeo is complaining to Benvolio, when Capulet's servant enters asking Romeo to read the invite list as he is illiterate. Romeo sees Rosaline's name on the guest list,