Summary
Highlights
The prologue introduces the setting in Verona and the long-standing hatred between two families, the Montagues and Capulets. It foreshadows the tragic love story of their children, whose deaths ultimately end their parents' feud.
Samson and Gregory, servants of the Capulets, discuss their disdain for the Montagues. They provoke two Montague servants, Abraham and Balthasar, leading to a street fight that quickly escalates. Benvolio, a Montague, tries to break it up, but Tybalt, a Capulet, arrives and fuels the conflict.
The heads of both families, Lord Capulet and Lord Montague, join the fray with their wives. Prince Escalus intervenes, expressing his anger at the recurring public disturbances. He declares that any future disturbance will result in the death penalty for the family heads.
After the fight, Lord Montague and Lady Montague discuss Romeo's recent melancholy behavior with Benvolio. Romeo has been seen avoiding others, walking alone, and locking himself in his room during the day, signifying deep sadness.
Benvolio confronts Romeo, who confesses to being in love with a woman who does not return his affections. Romeo describes love as a painful contradiction and expresses his despair over his unrequited feelings, particularly for a woman who has vowed to remain a virgin, like Diana, and will not yield to his advances.
Benvolio advises Romeo to forget the woman by looking at other beautiful girls, but Romeo insists that seeing others only reminds him of his beloved's unparalleled beauty and deepens his sorrow. Benvolio promises to help Romeo forget or die trying.