Romeo And Juliet
...noble families of Capulet and Montague
· Prince Escalus, the ruler of Verona, attempts to prevent any further conflicts between the families by decreeing death for any individual who disturbs the peace in the future.
· Romeo confides that he is in love with Rosaline, a woman who does not return his affections
· Meanwhile, Paris, a kinsman of the Prince, seeks Juliet’s hand in marriage.
· Her father Capulet holds a masquerade that he traditionally holds. He invites Paris to the feast, hoping that Paris will begin to win Juliet’s heart
· Romeo and Benvolio go to the feast, In the Capulet’s household.
· The feast begins. Once inside, Romeo sees Juliet from a distance and instantly falls in love with her.
· Tybalt recognizes Romeo and is enraged that a Montague would sneak into a Capulet feast. He prepares to attack, but Capulet holds him back.
· Romeo speaks to Juliet, and the two experience a profound attraction.
· They kiss, not even knowing each other’s names. They both then find out that they are children from their families’ most hated rivals.
· As Mercutio and Benvolio leave the Capulet estate, Romeo leaps over the orchard wall into the garden, unable to leave Juliet behind. From his hiding place, he sees Juliet in a window above the orchard and hears her speak his name. He calls out to her, and they exchange vows of love.
· Romeo hurries to see his friend and confessor Friar Lawrence, who, agrees to marry the young lovers in secret.
· Romeo and Juliet meet at Friar Lawrence’s cell and are married. The Nurse, who is privy to the secret.
· The next day, Benvolio and Mercutio encounter Tybalt—Juliet’s cousin—who, still enraged that Romeo attended Capulet’s feast, has challenged Romeo to a duel.
· Romeo appears. Romeo begs the Capulet to hold off the duel until he understands why Romeo does not want to fight.
· Disgusted with this plea for...
View Full Essay