Romeo and Juliet Act One Notes
Act 1
Scene I
The play opens in Verona, Italy where a fight is about to break out. Sampson and Gregory, Capulet
servants, are discussing what they will do to Montagues. Then two Montague servants arrive and both
sides want to start a fight but they are both scared of initiating the fight.
People start to fill the street and fighting starts. We are then introduced to some of the main
characters and we are able to tell something of their personalities by their reaction to the feud. The
following characters enter;
1) Benvolio: cousin of Montague who sees the fighting as harmless fun. He tries to keep the peace,
but he fails. He is the voice of reason.
2) Tybalt: opposite of Benvolio. Cousin of Capulet and is a trouble maker.
3) Lord and Lady Capulet: They are fighting with themselves as much as they are fighting with
Montagues. Lord Capulet joins the fight.
4) Lord and Lady Montagues: Lady urges Lord not to join the fighting but anger is directed toward the
feud.
5) Prince Escalus: Voice of reason. He charges that the Montagues and Capulets have fought before
and it must stop.
Benvolio then tells Lord and Lady Montague of what happened. Lady Montague then asks about
Romeo. All three Love Romeo. Romeo’s parents are both worried about him as he has been keeping
to himself as of lat.
Lord Montague asks Benvolio to help him to find out what is the matter with Romeo. Romeo enters
and he and Benvolio are left alone. They talk and Romeo admits he is in love but does not say with
whom. Obviously his love is not returned and Benvolio tries to help him and says that they will find
another girl for him.
Important Points:
1. Introduction of characters
2. Conflict between Capulets and Montagues
3. Romeo’s problem
Scene II
We hear of Juliet indirectly. Paris, a very eligible bachelor, wants to marry Juliet and asks Lord Capulet
for her hand in marriage. Capulet says it is up to Juliet. Capulet invites Paris to a party that evening to
meet Juliet. Capulet then gives the guest list to a servant who can’t read and the servant runs into
Romeo and Benvolio. The servant asks Romeo to read the guest list for him and Romeo sees that
Rosaline will be there – she is Romeo’s love. The servant informs them that if they are not Montagues
they may attend the party.
Important points
Fate brings Romeo in contact with the illiterate servant.
Scene III
The scene takes place in the Capulet’s house. It is almost party time and Lady Capulet, the Nurse and
Juliet are in Juliet’s room. The Nurse is introduced in this scene. The Nurse gives us background about
Juliet. She is rough and funny and talks often of sex. Lady Capulet informs Juliet Paris wishes to marry
her. Juliet says she is not interested in marriage but will meet Paris.
Important points:
Pre-arranged marriage of Juliet and Paris is suggested.
Scene IV
Romeo and Benvolio are on their way to the Capulet’s party and they are trying to decide how they will
get in. Benvolio says they will stay for one dance only. Romeo says his heart is too heavy and he will
not dance. Mercutio is introduced as a character who loves fun and acts very silly during this scene.
Mercutio teases Romeo and says the party will cheer him up. Romeo has a strong feeling that bad will
happen as a result of this party.
Important points:
Foreshadowing of danger as seen by Romeo
Scene V
We see a playful group of servants and then we are back to the party where Lord Capulet is greeting
those who enter. Romeo and Benvolio enter wearing masks so no one knows they are Montagues.
Rosaline is at the party but Romeo is enchanted by Juliet. Romeo speaks to Tybalt recognizes him as a
Montague. Tybalt wants to fight Romeo but Capulet says no. Romeo finally meets Juliet. Both are
enchanted by one another and Romeo feels great when he kisses her hand. They are interrupted by
the Nurse and she tells Juliet that Romeo is a Montague. Romeo also discovers Juliet’s identity.
Important points
1. Romeo and Juliet’s first encounter (love at first sight)
2. Reactions when they find out whom each other are
3. Possible foreshadowing of their meeting