Act 1: The Feud and First Meetings

The play opens with a violent clash between the Montagues and Capulets on the streets of Verona. The Prince intervenes, threatening death to anyone who disturbs the peace again. Meanwhile, Romeo Montague is lovesick over Rosaline. His cousin Benvolio encourages him to attend a Capulet feast to find new love. At the Capulet house, Count Paris asks Lord Capulet for Juliet's hand in marriage. Capulet invites Paris to a feast to court Juliet.

Highlight: The long-standing feud between the Montagues and Capulets sets the stage for the tragic events to come.

Romeo and Benvolio encounter a Capulet servant with the guest list for the feast. They decide to attend in disguise. Lady Capulet and the Nurse discuss marriage with Juliet, who agrees to consider Paris as a potential husband.

Quote: "Go, girl, seek happy nights to happy days." - Lady Capulet to Juliet

As Romeo, Benvolio, and Mercutio prepare for the feast, Romeo expresses foreboding about attending. At the feast, Romeo is instantly captivated by Juliet's beauty. They share a passionate conversation and kiss, unaware of each other's identities. When they discover the truth, both are dismayed but unable to quell their newfound love.

Vocabulary: Star-crossed lovers - A pair of lovers whose relationship is doomed to fail due to forces beyond their control.