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A summary of Act 1: Scene 1 in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Learn exactly what happened in this chapter, scene, or section of Romeo and Juliet and what it means. Perfect for acing essays, tests, and quizzes, as well as for writing lesson plans.
- A+ Student Essay
In Act 1, scene 4, Romeo says that he fears “some...
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- Motifs
One of the more important instances of this motif is Romeo’s...
- Key Facts
Falling action The end of Act 5, scene 3, when the Prince...
- No Fear Translation
Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare, scene summary, scene...
- Important Quotes Explained
Romeo speaks these lines in the so-called balcony scene,...
- A+ Student Essay
- Synopsis
- Plot summary
- Effects
- Analysis
Romeo, Benvolio, and their friend Mercutio, all wearing masks, have gathered with a group of mask-wearing guests on their way to the Capulets feast. Still melancholy, Romeo wonders how they will get into the Capulets feast, since they are Montagues. When that concern is brushed aside, he states that he will not dance at the feast. Mercutio begins t...
Benvolio refocuses their attention on actually getting to the feast. Romeo voices one last concern: he has a feeling that the nights activities will set in motion the action of fate, resulting in untimely death. But, putting himself in the hands of he who hath the steerage of my course, Romeos spirits rise, and he continues with his friends toward ...
However, the scene does augment the general sense of fate through Romeos statement of belief that the nights events will lead to untimely death. The audience, of course, knows that he will suffer an untimely death. When Romeo gives himself up to he that hath the steerage of my course, the audience feels fate take a tighter grasp on him (1.4.112).
This scene also serves as introduction to the clever, whirling, entrancing Mercutio. Spinning wild puns left and right, seeming to speak them as freely as others breathe, Mercutio is established as a friend who can, gently or not, mock Romeo as no one else can. Though thoughtful, Benvolio does not have the quick wit for such behavior. With his wild...
Benvolio insists getting in won’t be a problem and reminds Romeo that they aren’t intending to stay that long after all. Romeo says he doesn’t want to go in at all—he’s too sad. Mercutio, his friend, urges him to dance and be merry by “borrow [ing] Cupid’s wings” and soaring to new heights. Romeo says he’s “too sore ...
On pain of torture, from those bloody hands. Throw your mistempered weapons to the ground, And hear the sentence of your movèd prince. Three civil brawls, bred of an airy word, 80 By thee, old Capulet, and Montague, Have thrice disturbed the quiet of our streets. And made Verona’s ancient citizens.
Scene 1. Scene 2. Romeo, Benvolio, and their friend Mercutio arrive at the Capulet party in style. Romeo tells his friends that he doesn’t plan on dancing tonight—he’s too sad. Plus, he had a dream the night before that gave him a bad feeling about the party. Mercutio teasingly thinks his dream is the result of a visit from Queen Mab.
Analysis. Sampson and Gregory, two servingmen of House Capulet, enter with swords and bucklers. Sampson angrily says he doesn’t want to “carry coals”—in other words, he doesn’t want to put up with any of the Montagues’ nonsense. Gregory insists they will do no such thing. Sampson says he’s looking forward to drawing his sword ...
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Why does Romeo continue with his friends toward the feast?
In Act 1, Romeo's most pronounced qualities are his petulance and capriciousness. His friends (and potentially, the audience) find Romeo's melancholy mood to be grating, and are confused when he quickly forgets Rosaline to fall madly in love with Juliet. However, Romeo stands apart from the other men in Act 1.
