The opening lines of Romeo and Juliet are some of the most iconic in all of literature. “Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Verona, where we lay our scene, from ancient grudge break to new mutiny, where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.” These lines immediately set the stage for the tragic love story that is about to unfold. The reader is drawn in by the intense feud between the Capulet and Montague families and the hint of violence that is to come. As the story progresses, the reader is taken on a rollercoaster of emotions as they witness the passionate love between Romeo and Juliet and the tragic consequences of their forbidden love. The opening lines of Romeo and Juliet are just the beginning of a gripping story that will leave readers spellbound until the very end.
Introduction
William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is a timeless classic that has been studied and analyzed for centuries. The play has captured the hearts of millions with its poignant portrayal of love, conflict, and tragedy. One of the most iconic aspects of the play is its opening lines, which have become famous around the world. In this article, we will explore the significance of the opening lines of Romeo and Juliet and how they set the stage for the rest of the play.
The Opening Scene
The play opens with a prologue that sets the stage for the story. The prologue is delivered by a chorus, which was a common feature of Elizabethan theater. The chorus sets the tone for the play and provides the audience with a brief overview of the plot. The opening lines of the prologue are as follows:
“Two households, both alike in dignity,
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.”
These lines immediately establish the setting of the play, Verona, and introduce the two warring families, the Montagues and the Capulets. The use of the word “households” suggests that these are not just individual families, but powerful and influential factions that have a significant impact on the city. The reference to an “ancient grudge” suggests that this conflict has been ongoing for some time and that it is deeply ingrained in the culture of Verona.
The Power of Imagery
Shakespeare was a master of language, and his use of imagery in the opening lines of Romeo and Juliet is particularly potent. The use of the phrase “where civil blood makes civil hands unclean” is a powerful image that immediately conveys the violence and brutality of the conflict. The idea of “civil hands” being made unclean suggests that the violence is not just physical but also moral, as it corrupts the very foundations of society.
Introducing the Main Characters
Following the prologue, the play opens with a scene between two servants of the Capulet family, Sampson and Gregory. This scene serves to introduce the audience to the two main characters of the play, Romeo and Juliet, although they are not yet present. The conversation between the two servants is crude and vulgar, and it serves as a contrast to the poetic language of the prologue. This contrast is intentional and serves to highlight the different worlds that the two main characters inhabit.
The First Meeting
The first meeting between Romeo and Juliet is one of the most famous scenes in all of literature. The scene takes place at a masquerade ball hosted by the Capulet family. Romeo, who is a Montague, attends the ball in disguise and meets Juliet, who is a Capulet. The two are immediately drawn to each other, and their first exchange is one of the most famous in all of literature:
“ROMEO: If I profane with my unworthiest hand
This holy shrine, the gentle sin is this:
My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand
To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss.
JULIET: Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much,
Which mannerly devotion shows in this;
For saints have hands that pilgrims’ hands do touch,
And palm to palm is holy palmers’ kiss.”
These lines are not only beautifully written, but they also serve to highlight the themes of the play. The idea of the “holy shrine” and the “pilgrims” suggests that Romeo sees Juliet as a religious figure, and his desire to kiss her is almost sacrilegious. Juliet’s response, however, suggests that she is not offended by Romeo’s advances but rather intrigued by them. The exchange also highlights the idea of forbidden love, as Romeo and Juliet come from two warring families and should not be fraternizing with each other.
Conclusion
The opening lines of Romeo and Juliet are some of the most famous in all of literature, and for good reason. They serve to introduce the setting, the main characters, and the themes of the play. Shakespeare’s use of language and imagery is masterful, and the opening scene sets the stage for the tragedy that is to come. Even today, over 400 years after it was written, Romeo and Juliet continues to captivate audiences around the world, and its opening lines remain as powerful as ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
### What is the significance of the opening lines of Romeo and Juliet?
The opening lines of Romeo and Juliet, “Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene,” establish the setting and conflict of the play. The two households, the Capulets and Montagues, are introduced as equally respectable but at odds with each other. The mention of Verona as the setting foreshadows the tragic events that will unfold within the city walls.
### How do the opening lines of Romeo and Juliet set the tone for the play?
The opening lines of Romeo and Juliet set a serious and foreboding tone for the play. The use of the word “ancient” to describe the grudge between the two households suggests that the conflict has been ongoing for a long time and will not easily be resolved. The mention of “civil blood” and “fatal loins” also suggest that violence and death will be central themes in the play. Overall, the opening lines establish a sense of tension and tragedy that will be present throughout the story.