In this essay we are going explore the ways in which Shakespeare presents and develops tensions in Verona in his play Romeo and Juliet
Romeo and Juliet is a tragic love story; the play begins with a prologue telling us that the two lovers die "A pair of star-cross`d lovers take their life" this creates tension leaving the audience engaged and wonder why do this young children have to die? How did they die? And who is to be held responsible for their death. The play opens on a scene of conflict, where the audience learns that the Montague’s and Capulet’s are lifelong enemies and hold an "ancient grudge".
In Act 1 scene 1 Sampson and Gregory, two servants of the house of Capulet, walk through the streets of Verona with a conversation of vulgar jokes, where Sampson talks about his hatred of the house of Montague. The two make remarks about physically dominating the Montague men and sexually dominating the Montague women by illustrating how they intertwine sex with violence and death.
Gregory sees two Montague servants approaching, and discusses with Sampson the best way to provoke them into a fight without breaking the law. Sampson bites his thumb at the Montague’s. A verbal confrontation quickly escalates into a fight, “do you bite your tongue at us sir?” a fight doesn’t need to happen but because of the masculine honour and pride they had and they believed a man must defend his honour whenever threatened which was why most of the fights both houses had and will have happens
Act one scene 4
Act one scene 5
In the beginning of Act 1 scene5, there are many different moods and atmospheres, beginning with the orders and instructions, making the atmosphere feel busy with lots of rushing around and shouting. "Where's Pot pan that he helps not to take away?" "Away with the joint stools; remove the court cupboard; look to the plate."
Capulet then welcomes the