22. (Opinion on Romeo and Juliet Act One)

Similar to the first portion of any novel or play, the bulk of Romeo and Juliet's first act was, predictably, dedicated to character introduction.  Shakespeare needed to give the audience a clear idea of exactly who the Montagues and Capulets are, and just how powerful they are, not to mention the magnitude of their hatred for each other.  Near the end of act one, however, we witness a night that will be the precursor for all that is left to come: the Capulet party.  During the Capulet party, we are introduced to Tybalt for the second time, and learn that regardless of the social scenario, his first instinct is to kill any Montague he sees, which is brought to realization later in the book.  Also, we are first introduced to Juliet, a young woman who seemingly has no interest in men, especially the one man she is designated to marry, the noble Paris, who already has established a firm relationship with her father.  Of course, this changes in an instant when she meets Romeo, who if we really investigate, wasn't even supposed to be at the party.This ignites a love that will not be extinguished until one or both of the two lovers are dead (which may be sooner than they would hope).  In my mind, the events of this party are the most important goings-on of the entire play.  Not only do they lay the foundation for the rest of the play, they also set a tone.  This tone is beautifully put into words by Romeo who basically says that he knows if he goes to the party, it will result in one or more deaths, but he is going anyways.  This is really just because of Mercutio, who has already been established as a risk taking wild man.  Unfortunately for Romeo, his prediction may be all too correct.