Introduction to The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet

The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, a tragic play by William Shakespeare, is the story of two star-crossed lovers who are plagued by the hatred and detestation of their respective families.  Romeo Montague, a young boy, falls in love with Juliet Capulet, a fourteen year old girl.  Their love for one another must be kept in secret due to their family allegiances.  The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet is a Shakespearean tragedy in which there are five acts.  The play spans over the course of a four day period.  

                         Act                                         Plot Structure                                 Explanation

Act I	Exposition	Introduces setting, characters, explains background, introduces main conflict
Act II	Rising Action or Complications	Consists of a series of complications Main characters take action to resolve problems
Act III	Crisis or Turning Point	Choice is made by main characters that determines the direction of the play
Act IV	Falling Action	Presents events that result from what takes place at the turning point of the play
Act V	Climax and Resolution	Final and greatest climax (In a Shakespearean tragedy, usually death)   Denouement: All is righted in the end.

Description of The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet

Act II

Scene 2

The Balcony Scene

Act II Scene 2 begins with Romeo yearning for Juliet’s love as he is in the garden at the house of Capulet.  Juliet appears at her window, and Romeo begins his famous soliloquy.  The two have intimate conversation with their own thoughts, and the audience is able to see the true feelings the star-crossed lovers have for one another.  Romeo listens as Juliet speaks: “O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name.  Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, And I’ll no longer be a Capulet (II. 2. 33-36). Romeo surprises Juliet as he
hears her speak, and he reveals himself to her.  The two converse and profess their love to one another.  They make plans to be married, and configure a strategy so the two can be together.  They agree that Juliet will send a messenger to Romeo to finalize their plans to be wed. 

Act II Scene 2 has transformed over the years due to societal, cultural, and artistic interpretations and advancements.  The balcony scene is one of the most famous scenes in The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet due to the diction between Romeo and Juliet.  Although various transformations have occurred, the love Romeo and Juliet have for one another is apparent in every rendition of the play.