Romeo and Juliet Act 1 Summaries
The Story of Two Star-Crossed Lovers
Act 1 Summary: Enemy Brawl in Streets of Verona, Heartbroken Lover
A fight between the Capulet house and the Montague house breaks out in the streets of Verona. Lord Capulet and Montague try to join the fight, but are stopped by their wives. Prince Escalus stops the riot, threatening everyone with death if the fighting continues. Montague and Lady Montague are worried about Romeo, because he seems very sad. Benvolio talks to Romeo and soon discovers that Romeo's problem is that he loves a woman who doesn't return his love. Benvolio tries to get Romeo to solve his problem by looking for another woman, but Romeo seems determined to love and suffer.
Act 2 Summary: The Importance of Knowing How to Read :)
Paris asks Capulet for Juliet's hand in marriage, but Capulet thinks she's too young. He tells Paris to woo Juliet at his feast, but to also look at other girls. Capulet sends Peter, his servant out to invite other guests to the feast, and in the streets Peter runs into Romeo and asks him to read something for him. It is a list of guests at Capulet's feast that night. Romeo discovers that Rosaline, his beloved, will be at the feast. Benvolio challenges Romeo to go to the Capulet feast and compare Rosaline with other beauties, but Romeo plans to go to rejoice in Rosaline’s beauty.
Scene 3: Wise Words from a Mother and a Nurse
Lady Capulet wants to have a serious conversation with Juliet, but the Nurse interrupts with a long recollection about Juliet's nursing and what Juliet said about falling on her back as a child. Lady Capulet tells Juliet that Paris wants to marry her, and urges her to look him over and see that he is the husband for her. Juliet shares that marriage is an honor she does not dream of. Servants come to call everyone to the Capulet party.