Disregard this post: stuff for class

Act 1

Summary: The story opens on a street fight between the servitors of two noble houses in “Fair Verona.” The Montagues and Capulets are all up in each other’s grills and things escalate until the Prince of the city rides in and puts a stop to the merriment. Afterwards, Lord Montague and his wife have a little heart to heart on the outcast state of their son Romeo who, like so many teenagers before and since, is a complete moron. Romeo appears shortly thereafter and bemoans the injustice of love and such to his cousin Benvolio. Meanwhile, Lord Capulet negotiates a marriage between his prize daughter and Paris, a relative of the prince. Capulet plans a grand shindig in which the lovers-to-be may be introduced, and sends his courier out to invite all non-Montagues to his bash. Romeo and Benvolio intercept the messenger and, hearing that Romeo’s current crush will be at the party, decide to crash. Romeo, Benvolio, and a plethora of young Montagues are joined by Mercutio, another relative of the Prince’s, in traversing the dark and conveniently dramatic streets on their way to the Capu-rave. Mercution establishes himself as a witty badass, and pokes fun at the melodramatic Romeo en route. Upon arrival, Romeo is spotted by Tybalt, the angriest Capulet, but is spared a swift departure by the good spirits of papa C. Romeo sees Juliet from afar and instantly falls into infatuation with this new young thang that has chased his previous crush straight out of his one track mind.

Significance: This act establishes the principle characters as distinct and relatable archetypes. The conflict of the two houses is set as the underlying theme, and the story opens with a distinct romantic-comedy feel. The act clips along briskly, and effectively weaves main and sub-plots into one memorable swash of light-hearted feuding.

Relationships: Romeo; The young Montague is doted on by his parents and cared for by his friends, despite his incessant whining. Lord Montague, all fighting-man airs aside, is tender toward his son, and shows empathy for the lovesick idiot. Benvolio displays a similar mindset toward Romeo, but it may be Mercutio who most strongly feels for him. Mercutio, rather than offering condolences, encourages Romeo to rise above his melancholy and, in no uncertain terms, to get over himself.