Question

Read the following excerpt from the text Shakespeare used as his main source for the storyline of the play. This text excerpt corresponds to Act I, Scene 5 in which the reader learns about Romeus’s experience at the Capulet feast.
Click on the attachment to read the excerpt.

How does the source text compare to the play? What changes did Shakespeare make to the plot, characters, and other aspects? What elements stayed the same? In the space below, write a response comparing and contrasting the source material to the corresponding scene in Act I. Use at least three specific examples from the text to support your analysis.

Answer 1

It is true that Capulets did not approve of the presence of their foe at the party they have organized for their friends and acquanintances."....Uncle, this is a Montague, our foe,

A villain that is hither come in spite

To scorn at our solemnity this night..."Lord Capulet does not want a scandal.Besides, he notices the young Montague is behaving well.Then in this sense , it could be said that the main difference between the text and the play is that the reason for not fighting in the middle of the celebration is Lord Capulet´s decision.There is the element of joy as in the text.However, there is tension in Tybalt and Lord Capulet does not want him to cause a fight...."Show a fair presence and put off these frowns..."In the source text there is a description that seems to belong to that of Romeo.He acts as if he was looking for a lady to enchant with his natural attraction. In the play Romeo simply spots Juliet and feels lured to her from the moment he sets his eyes on her."....Oh, she shows the torches how to burn bright! She stands out against the darkness like a jeweled earring hanging ...."In the play there is no explanation about how Romeo forgets his former love, Rosalind.Romeo interacts with Juliet  and later gets to know who she really is.Nevertheless, he shows not even a speck of doubt about being in trouble and in love with his enemy´s daughter.In the source text there is doubt and the mentioning of a "tempest" coming because of such an encounter.

Finally, Shakespeare used the party for Juliet  and Romeo to meet and fall in love without knowing at first who their families were.