Act 1, Scenes 2-3: Preparations for the Capulet Feast

These scenes introduce the character of Juliet and the plans for the Capulet feast. Count Paris expresses his interest in marrying Juliet to her father, Lord Capulet.

Quote: "Younger than she are happy mothers made"

This line from Paris highlights the societal expectations of the time, where young girls were often married off early.

Lady Capulet and the Nurse discuss marriage with Juliet, revealing her innocence and initial reluctance towards the idea:

Quote: "It is an honour that I dream not of"

This quote from Juliet demonstrates her initial disinterest in marriage, setting up the dramatic irony of her imminent encounter with Romeo.

Act 1, Scene 4: Romeo's Premonition

As Romeo and his friends prepare to attend the Capulet feast in disguise, Mercutio delivers his famous Queen Mab speech. This fantastical monologue serves as a counterpoint to Romeo's melancholy and foreshadows the dream-like quality of the love story to come.

Quote: "O then I see Queen Mab hath been with you"

Mercutio's speech becomes increasingly dark, hinting at the potential dangers that lie ahead:

Quote: "This is the hag, when maids lie on their backs / That presses them and learns them first to bear"

Romeo expresses a sense of foreboding before entering the feast:

Quote: "Some consequence yet hanging in the stars"

This line emphasizes the theme of fate that runs throughout the play, suggesting that Romeo senses the life-changing events about to unfold.