After reading Act 1 Scene 1 in Romeo and Juliet and reading the summary chart below, explain how the following pairs see one another/think of one another. Use character names and lines and citations from the Middle English version of the play for clarity
Montagues vs. Capulets
The Prince vs. the fighting between the two families
Benvolio vs. Romeo
Summary of Act I scene i:
Setting, a street in Verona, ItalyIn Act I scene i of Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare sets up the rivalry between the families of Romeo and Juliet. Romeo’s family is the House of Montague and Juliet’s family is the House of Capulet.
Two servants from each House meet on the street in Verona, Italy. They argue and trade insults about each other’s Houses. A fight ensues. Benvolio, Romeo’s cousin, draws his sword to stop the fight. Tybalt, Juliet’s cousin, sees Benvolio’s sword drawn and draws his sword.
The fight grows as other people join in. Finally, the Prince breaks up the brawl. He is tired of the feud between the Montagues and Capulets.
The scene ends with the Montagues, Romeo’s parents asking Benvolio if they have seen Romeo lately. Benvolio sees Romeo in the distance and tells his parents he will find out what is wrong with him.
