Question

(Worth 20) Why did Shakespeare use a masquerade ball in Romeo and Juliet?

Answer 1

I guess you could say that in those days people threw parties all of the time. (We still do.)  It was something to do.  You did not need a reason.  If you were the head of your family and important to the village, you were expected to throw parties.

Answer 2

Whether or not Romeo and Juliet actually fall in love at first sight is personal opinion, but what Shakespeare does effectively portray is the way people, especially teenagers, become easily infatuated with someone whom they've never met based on appearances alone. Shakespeare shows their attraction when they first lay eyes on each other at the Capulet ball by having Romeo express his admiration for Juliet's beauty as better than any other he's seen, and vice versa. It is true that both feel they have fallen in love.