Romance and Danger in Act One Scene Five of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Romeo and Juliet is a romantic story set in Verona, Italy. We are told
in the beginning prologue that Romeo and Juliet will meet, fall in
love and then die. The main factor that causes this turn of events is
that Romeo and Juliet’s families have an ancient feud, no-one really
knows why, but Romeo’s family (the Montague’s) are constantly having
quarrels and brawling with Juliet’s family (the Capulet).
In the opening of Act 1 scene 5 the servants speak informally (not in
verse) about all the work they have to do. The bustle of servants
preparing for the party helps to relive the tension at the end of Act
1 Scene 4 (Mercutio`s “Queen Mab” Speech and Romeo expressing a sense
of doom). The servants joke and complain at each other and the stage
is very busy. In my opinion Shakespeare started this scene like that
to get the audiences attention. It also draws attention to the busy
party atmosphere, which is interesting when it comes to Romeo seeing
Juliet for the first time as he sees her through the crowds.
As the servants are going off stage, lord Capulet comes out to greet
his guests asking them to dance, “foot it girls” He admits that his
“dancing days” are over, but he loves to watch others enjoy
themselves. Here Capulet is jocular, being familiar with the young
ladies and exchanging memories with his contemporaries. This relaxes
the audience because he is different to the aggressive character he
appeared as earlier in the play, however the audience may still be
weary of his behaviour, as he could be putting on an act to repair
some of the damage done to his reputation after the brawl earlier on
in the play, which keeps the tension in place.
Romeo comes to the party to see Rosaline, who he believes he is in
love with but soon sees Juliet and forgets Rosaline entirely, he is
overcome and spellbound by her beauty,