SEQUENCE : ROMEO AND JULIET, A SHAKESPEARIAN TRAGEDY

EXTRACT FROM THE FILM BY F. ZEFFIRELLI ACT I SCENE V

Watch this extract from Romeo and Juliet (act I scene V) and answer these questions. (26 : 36
40 : 27)
1) Where and when does the scene take place ?
It is set in the Capulets' house, at night, during the feast organised by Capulet. It is a masque :
the guests wear masks, therefore it is convenient for Romeo to approach Juliet since he cannot be
recognized. Originally, it is a feast organized for Juliet to meet County Paris.
2) Who are the characters presented in the scene ?
There are Romeo, Juliet, Lord and Lady Capulet, Tybalt (Juliet's cousin), the Nurse, a singer, and
many guests.
3) How is Juliet first presented ?
Juliet is accompanied by two of her kinsmen, during a dance. In this first dance, the hands of the
characters are emphasized, announcing Romeo's first words ( If I profane with my unworthiest
hand This holy shrine. ).
4) How do Romeo and Juliet meet ?
First, Romeo beholds her as she is presented by two of her relatives. They look at each other during
a dance. Romeo is stricken by Juliet's beauty. He is the first one who beholds the other one.
Then they look at each other during another dance. Then, they shortly dance together during the
second dance. Emphasis is put on their hands, the way they use them in the dance. This announces
Romeo's first words to Juliet. During a song, while all the guests are listening to the singer, Romeo
and Juliet look for each other. Romeo finally catches Juliet's hand, and they share their first
dialogue and their first kiss.
5) Look at the gestures the two lovers share. How important are they ?
There is a strong importance given to the hands. During the first two dances, the role of the dancers'
hands is emphasized. It is a way of introducing the first words from Romeo to Juliet ( If I profane
with my unworthiest hand This holy shrine. ). There is a sort of game with their hands. The two
dances during which Romeo and Juliet only look at each other highlight this game with the hands.
6) Does the scene only present a climate of love ,
No, it doesn't. Tybalt, Juliet's cousin, has recognized Romeo and reports this to Capulet. The latter is
benevolent and understanding since he allows Romeo to stay whereas Tybalt is furious and views
Romeo's presence as something provocative. Tybalt's anger, violence and hate reflect the tragic fate
towards which the two lovers are rushing. It shows that their romance is impossible since it is
surrounded by hate. The very birth of their love is associated with hate and revenge, therefore their
love is doomed from its beginning.
7) How important is the Nurse in the scene ?
She is the one who reveals to Juliet who Romeo really is. She helps her become aware that she has
just fallen in love with the wrong person.

SEQUENCE : ROMEO AND JULIET, A SHAKESPEARIAN TRAGEDY

EXTRACT FROM THE FILM BY F. ZEFFIRELLI ACT I SCENE V
Watch this extract from Romeo and Juliet (act I scene V) and answer these questions.
1) Where and when does the scene take place ,

2) Who are the characters presented in the scene ?

3) How is Juliet first presented ?

4) How do Romeo and Juliet meet ?

5) Look at the gestures the two lovers share. How important are they ?

6) Does the scene only present a climate of love ,

7) How important is the Nurse in the scene ?