Act I. Antonio’s friend Bassanio owes Antonio money but unable to repay his debts, asks Antonio for more money so he may marry the wealthy and beautiful Portia and so pay back his friend. Antonio has no money to spare but tells Bassanio to use his good name to try to get a loan… Meanwhile…
Key players Capulet: Head of household feuding with the Montagues Romeo: Son of Montague Tybalt: Nephew of Lady Capulet Juliet: Daughter of Capulet Nurse: Juliet’s Helper Benvolio: Nephew of Montague, friend of Romeo First Servant/Second Servant Second Capulet Servant Summary of key events In the hallway of Capulet’s house four servingmen clear away the dinner…
Key players Romeo: Son of Montague Benvolio: Nephew of Montague, friend of Romeo Mercutio: Relative of the Prince, friend of Romeo Summary of key events The festivities are about to commence at the house of Capulet and, concealed amidst the Masquers, Romeo and Benvolio arrive with their close friend, Mercutio. Stifled by “love’s heavy burden”,…
Key players Lady Capulet: Wife of Capulet Nurse: Juliet’s helper Juliet Capulet: Daughter of Capulet Summary of key events Back at Capulet’s house, Lady Capulet visits her daughter’s chamber to tell her about Paris. Juliet’s nurse is in the room and she begins to ramble, recounting Juliet as a young child: “For then she could…
Key players Capulet: Head of household feuding with Montagues Paris: A young nobleman, relative of the Prince Benvolio: Nephew of Montague, Romeo’s friend Romeo: Son of Montague Summary of key events The scene opens with Paris, a noble young kinsmen of the Prince, asking Capulet for his daughter’s hand in marriage. Capulet tells Paris that…
Key players Sampson/Gregory: Servants to Capulet Abraham/Balthasar: Servants to Montague Benvolio: Nephew of Montague, Romeo’s friend Tybalt: Nephew of Lady Capulet Capulet: Head of household feuding with Montagues Lady Capulet: Wife of Capulet Prince (Escalus): Prince of Verona Montague: Head of household feuding with Capulets Lady Montague: Wife of Montague Romeo: Son of Montague Summary…
Act I Scene III contrasts Polonius’s different attitude towards Laertes and Ophelia, which he regards Laertes more important than Ophelia. When he speaks to Laertes, he says: “And you are stay’d for. There; my blessing with thee!” (Act I, Scene III, Line 57) While when he criticizes Ophelia’s affection with Hamlet, he says: “Affection? pooh!…
ACT I SCENE 1 On February 15, the Feast of Lupercal, the people of Rome celebrate Caesar’s victory over Pompey in a civil war. Marullus and Flavius, two government officials who support Pompey, attempt to discourage celebrating workers. SCENE 2 On the same day, Caesar attends the traditional race at the festival of Lupercal and…