Chose a play whose opening scene seems to you to be particularly amusing or menacing. Discuss how effectively the opening scene prepares you for the rest of the play. You must refer to mood, setting, conflict, dialogue, theme and characterisation.
On the hot, dusty streets of Verona, two young Capulets are engaged in a boastful conversation, full of bawdy banter and light-hearted humour. This is how "Romeo and Juliet" - a dramatic exploration of love and death - begins. The opening scene or chapter of any piece of literature is of paramount importance - not only does it serve to fuel the audiences interest but it provides a useful prescience into the remainder of the text. In this instance, the opening scene of Romeo and Juliet does both. A rousing duel between the two rival families captures the audiences attention and carefully chosen techniques help to prepare the audience for the rest of the play.
The mood in the opening scene mirrors the mood to come. In the opening scene, a jocular, light mood is shattered by the introduction of members of the rival family and quickly, the air turns dark. This occurs again in Act Three - there is a swift transition from playfulness to unrestrained tension.
In the opening scene, the light mood is created by Sampson and Gregory, two servants of the House of Capulet. "Tis well thou art not a fish; if thou hadst, thou hadst been Poor-John." Gregory says this to Sampson in jest - their repartee is humorous and mocking - the typical conversation matter found amongst men anywhere. In Act Three, this humour is created by Mercutio, Romeo and Benvolio. Again, they are jesting - "Thou art as hot a Jack in thy mood as any in Italy." Mercutio is joking about Benvolio's good, wholesome nature.
The tension in the opening scene occurs when members of the Montague Clan come upon Sampson and Gregory and their master Tybalt. This tension is accentuated when Tybalt spits out - "I hate the word as I hate hell, Montagues and thee.
