Shakespeare on the Double! Romeo and Juliet
Chapter One
Synopsis
ACT I
Prologue
At Verona, the chorus describes a lengthy blood-feud between the rival
houses of Capulet and Montague. The prolonged enmity causes the deaths
of two lovers. Their sacrifice is necessary to end the hostilities.
Scene 1
On a street in Verona, Capulet's servants, Gregory and Sampson, encounter
Montague's men, Abraham and Balthasar. On the Montague side, Benvolio
joins the fray with his sword raised. On the Capulet side, Tybalt follows
Benvolio. Alerted to the street brawl, Capulet and his wife hurry to the
scene. At Capulet's demand for a weapon, Prince Escalus halts the latest
outbreak of the lengthy feud. He condemns to death the next citizen who
breaches the peace. The prince summons Montague to court that afternoon
in Old Freetown and arranges a meeting with Capulet. Meanwhile,
Lady Montague frets over her son Romeo's unhappiness. Benvolio recalls
seeing Romeo wandering a grove west of Verona an hour before sunrise.
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