The Opening Scene of Romeo and Juliet as a Satisfactory Introduction to the Play

The Opening Scene of Romeo and Juliet as a Satisfactory Introduction to the Play

I think that the opening scene of “Romeo and Juliet” is a very

satisfactory introduction to the play for many reasons. It introduces

most of the characters involved in the play including Romeo, and also

we discover the themes of the play, love and violence.

William Shakespeare gradually introduces the characters of the play to

us as it progresses. I was firstly introduced to Sampson and Gregory,

who are livery of the house of Capulet. I find out that they are

livery by what they were armed with, which was swords and bucklers.

They both gave me the impression that they were rather foolish and

foul to others. Sampson says “I strike quickly, being moved” but then

Gregory replies “But thou art not quickly moved to strike”. What

Gregory was trying to say was that Sampson is all talk and no action.

Sampson describes the house of Montague as being “dogs”. Calling them

this gives me the impression that they have no respect for other

people and only care bout themselves. Also, this part of the play is

very humorous as well as containing a lot of word play compared to

later on when there is a lot of tension and anger in the air. Sampson

states” A dog of the house shall move me to stand: I will take the

wall of any man or maid of Montague’s” He says this as if he is

superior and that he has the power to do whatever he wants.

Furthermore, he has no respect for the female members of the house of

Montague as well. “Ay, the heads of the maids, or their maidenheads;

take it in what sense thou wilt.” Explaining that he also has the

ability to take away the virginity of any female member of the

Montague’s. Later on, Abraham (who is a Montague) is introduced into

the play. Sampson says “My naked weapon is out: quarrel, I will back

thee.” What he says here is for Gregory to go and provoke the member