Act 1 of William Shakespeare’s , The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet begins with a in the street between servants from the and households. attempts to stop the fight while encourages it. The arrives at the scene of the fight and says that the Capulets and Montagues have fought in the streets and disturbed the peace times. He then that if someone fights again that they will pay for it with their . Meanwhile, Romeo has been sad lately, and both Benvolio and Capulet have seen him underneath the grove of . Benvolio talks with Romeo and learns that he is upset because he loves and she does not him back. In the Capulet house, asks Capulet for his daughter’s hand in marriage. Capulet responds by saying that Juliet is too young because she is only , but that Paris should wait years because then she will be ready to be a . Capulet invites Paris to his party that evening so that Paris can woo Juliet. A servant is sent to invite the guests to Capulet’s party, and Benvolio and learn about the party. Benvolio insists that they go so that Romeo can get over Rosaline, but Romeo only agrees to go so that he can see her.
Lady Capulet asks Juliet what she thinks about , and Juliet tells her mother that she is not . Before going to the party, Romeo has a about what fate will bring him. At the party, Capulet welcomes his guests. Romeo sees Juliet for the time and compares her to a beautiful jewel. Tybalt overhears Romeo speaking and is that a would come to the feast. Romeo and Juliet meet for the first time and exchange two . At the end of the party, the tells Romeo who Juliet is, and Juliet then asks the Nurse to find out Romeo’s . Juliet is upset that she loves a enemy.