Snaith//Romeo and Juliet scene summaries

Act 1 scene 1

Sampson and Gregory (servants) travel throughout Verona. Montague describes the Montagues as “a dog of the house”. Gregory meets the two servants and decides the best way to fight without breaking the law. This is how they fulfil the “ancient grudge” between the two families. Sampson “bites” his “thumb” this escalates into a fight. Shortly after this their “masters” arrive. Benvolio tries to stop the fight but Tybalt continues the fight. The prince arrives not long after and explains that if the “ancient quarrel”“disturbs our streets again” they will be executed. Later on Romeo is love sick for Rosaline. He believes he has “lost himself” Benvolio persuades Romeo to “show a mistress who is passing fair”. But Romeo believes he cannot “forget to think”

Act 1 scene 2

Paris wants to marry Juliet but Capulet believes she is too young as she has not yet seen “the exchange of fourteen years”. He agrees Paris can marry her if he woos Juliet and she agrees. Two servants are sent to find “those persons whose names are here writ”. They cant read so Benvolio and Romeo “read anything they see”. They interpret it as if they’re invited it too the party.

Act 1 scene 3

In the Capulet’s house prior to the “supper”. Lady Capulet calls the Nurse to help find Juliet. They find Juliet who wonders about her mother. “what is your will”. Lady Capulet asks the nurse to remain and add to her “counsel”. The nurse continues to relevel the events of Juliet’s life when she was only two. Lady Capulet then carries on elaborating on the themes of “marriage”. Asking “tell me daughter Juliet how stands your deposition to be married” she then reveals to Juliet “the valiant Paris seeks your love” and that “this night you shall behold him at our feast”

Act 1 scene 4

Romeo, Mercutio and Benvolio are on their way to the ball. Romeo’s gloomy because “love is a tender thing, it is too rough, to rude and pricks like a thorn”. Mercutio tries to joke Romeo out of bitter mood. Romeo believes they will be a disaster but Mercutio disagrees.

Act 1 scene 5

Capulet welcomes his guests into the ball, encouraging them to dance: “will now deny to dance?” Romeo catches sight of Juliet “beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear.” He is stunned by her beauty. Tybalt spots Romeo, describing him as “the villain,” but he is instructed to do nothing by Capulet. Romeo approaches Juliet and speaks to her “my lips two blushing pilgrims ready stand to smooth that rough touch with tender kiss.” They kiss-“thus from my lips, by thine, my sin is purged.” Interrupting, the Nurse informs Juliet of her mother’s wish to speak to her. Romeo askes “what is her mother” and learns that Juliet is a Capulet. Juliet sends the nurse to find out who Romeo…