Act 1 Scene 5

The scene opens with the serving men of the Capulets joking around with each other. The Capulets, including Juliet, her nurse, and Tybalt, greet the masked guests that enter the grounds. The young people begin to dance, while Capulet and a relative speak to each other about their youth. Romeo enters the scene accompanied by other masked individuals and sees Juliet for the first time. Upon laying eyes on her he is immediately struck by her beauty. This is once again represented by a simile on the part of Romeo: “Oh, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night, like a rich jewel in an Ethiope’s ear.” This simile demonstrates how Romeo has been overcome by the complete and utter beauty of Juliet. Emotive language is also used to demonstrate how deeply Romeo loves Juliet, as he rhetorically questions “did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night.” Romeo goes to speak to her, but his voice is recognised by Tybalt, as one of a Montague. Tybalt is poised for an attack; however, Capulet intervenes and although Capulet also recognises Romeo he states that Romeo is well respected in Verona and that Tybalt is not to mar the evening by a display of ill will. Tybalt, as displayed through the use of emotive language and foreshadowing, does not take this demand lightly: “patience perforce with wilful choler meeting makes my flesh tremble in their difference greeting. I will withdraw, but this intrusion shall now seeming sweet, convert to bitterest gall.” In the wake of this confrontation, Romeo finally is able to approach Juliet. Upon seeing Romeo fully for the first time, she is as equally infatuated with him. They speak as lovers and then kiss. Juliet’s Nurse then approaches and informs her that her mother wishes to speak with her. It is at that moment that Romeo realises that he has fallen in love with, and been speaking of love to, the daughter of Capulet. Benvolio wisely suggests that it is time to leave, and despite Capulet in a display of hospitality inviting them to stay for supper, the pair do indeed depart. Meanwhile, Juliet quizzes her nurse about Romeo and is shocked to discover that she has fallen in love with the son of her family’s greatest enemy. Upon hearing this news, like Romeo, she is greatly troubled.