Romeo and Juliet Act 1 & 2 Summary

Act 1 Summary

• Initial Conflict: A fight between the Montague and Capulet families escalates after Sampson and Gregory insult the Montagues. The Prince threatens to execute anyone involved in future violence.
• Romeo's Woes: Romeo is deeply saddened by unrequited love for Rosaline. He connects his misery to the recent family conflict, seeing the fight as a consequence of love's pain.
• Capulet's Invitation: Capulet hosts a party, eager for Juliet to meet Paris, a potential suitor. A servant, unable to read, enlists Romeo's help in sending invitations.
• Juliet's Hesitation: Lady Capulet urges Juliet to consider Paris as a spouse, but Juliet expresses uncertainty about marrying him.

Act 2 Summary

• Romeo's Seclusion: Romeo hides in the Capulet orchard, hoping to see Juliet, unaware that his presence is a breach of security. Benvolio and Mercutio tease him about Rosaline.
• Balcony Scene: Romeo and Juliet meet on the balcony. Juliet expresses her love for Romeo, acknowledging his family's feud but urging Romeo to fully commit or refuse her love.
• Friar Lawrence's Intervention: Romeo seeks help from Friar Lawrence to marry Juliet. Friar is surprised by Romeo's sudden devotion to Juliet and sees the marriage as a potential peacemaker for the families.
• Tybalt's Challenge: Tybalt, a Capulet, challenges Romeo to a duel, setting the stage for violence and future misfortune. Romeo and Juliet secretly wed in Friar Lawrence's cell.

Act 3 Summary

• Mercutio's Death: A street brawl erupts between Montague and Capulet followers. Tybalt attacks Mercutio, and Romeo intervenes, killing Tybalt.
• Romeo's Banishment: The Prince exiles Romeo for killing Tybalt. The Prince is appalled about Mercutio's death as well.
• Juliet's Distress: Juliet learns of Romeo's banishment and Tybalt's death from the Nurse. She despises Romeo but also accepts his life as one of hers.
• Romeo's Despair: Romeo is heartbroken by his banishment and contemplates suicide. Friar Lawrence convinces him to seek Juliet and leave for Mantua.

Act 4 Summary

• Juliet's Deception: Juliet, pressured by her family to marry Paris, seeks help from Friar Lawrence. Friar devises a plan to make Juliet appear dead, allowing her to avoid the marriage and reunited with Romeo.
• Juliet's "Death": Juliet drinks a potion that makes her appear dead, and is laid in the family tomb. Friar Lawrence sends a message to Romeo.
• Capulet's Determination: Capulet and Lady Capulet believe Juliet is dead and arrange for her funeral and for Paris to marry her on Wednesday.

Act 5 Summary

• Romeo's Arrival and Tragedy: Romeo, unaware of Friar Lawrence's plan, hears of Juliet's death and rushes to Verona. He finds Juliet seemingly lifeless in the tomb, and chooses to kill himself.
• Friar Lawrence's Failure: Friar Lawrence arrives too late to save Romeo and Juliet, and they both die. News of the deaths ultimately reveals the disastrous consequences of the feud and the families realize their mistake.