Act 1 Scence 5 in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

Act 1 Scence 5 in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

Throughout the play there is a constant hatred between two families to

which Romeo and Juliet belong, there have been brawls between the two

sides before the play begins. The audience knows that the relationship

between the two lovers is destined to lead to the ending of their

lives, they are 'star-crossed lovers' and 'death-marked' suggesting

their lives are already planned, fate is in control. Young Juliet is

brought up in the family of the Capulets and in the play is aged 13.

Romeo is from that if the Montagues having a reputation for being less

fiery, he is aged about 18. Both of them begin to change as they

become increasingly isolated and separated by their families.

Romeo has a love for another woman, Rosaline. However his love is not

returned. Juliet is set to marry Paris and is willing to consent.

Until the events in this scene make her change her mind. The audience

knows from the prologue that the lovers' lives will be cut short due

to their love for each other. Intensity is built up to the deaths from

events such as the brawl at the beginning and the fact that the

constant brawl between the two families will not affect the love

between the two, showing complete isolation from others, it is

inevitable that it will lead to trouble.

In act 1 scene 5 great tension is mounted knowing that Romeo is not a

welcomed member of the Capulets' party, but because doing so, he finds

love at first sight. Before they arrive at the party, Romeo gives a

speech relating to death, 'Some consequences yet hanging in the stars'

meaning in-directly that death is nearby, creating tension. The play

refers to light and dark on many occasions, one being in his speech.

Later on in the play, Romeo refers to Juliet as 'light' e.g. being the

good in his life and he refers to Juliet in holy terms suggesting she

is 'pure' and perfect, 'she doth teach the torches to burn bright'