First Servingman

Line 1-2:
“Where’s Potpan that he helps not to take away? He shift a trencher? He scrape a trencher?”
Explanation:
The First Servingman is looking for Potpan, another servant, who seems to be missing or not doing his job. He is asking whether Potpan has been assigned tasks like shifting or scraping the trenchers (plates).
Language Devices:

• Rhetorical Questions: The servant uses rhetorical questions to express frustration or confusion about Potpan’s absence.

Analysis:
This interaction adds some comic relief to the scene. The repetitive questions and the casual tone of the servants contribute to the lively, bustling atmosphere of the banquet.

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Second Servingman

Line 3-4:
“When good manners shall lie all in one or two men’s hands, and they unwashed too, ’tis a foul thing.”
Explanation:
The Second Servingman comments sarcastically that it’s a terrible thing when only one or two men are responsible for manners, especially when those men are unwashed. He’s likely commenting on the messiness or ineffectiveness of the servants’ work.
Language Devices:

• Hyperbole: The exaggeration of the situation (foul thing) creates humor.
• Irony: The irony of commenting on bad manners while still working in an unkempt environment adds to the comedy.

Analysis:
This line builds on the light-hearted nature of the servants’ dialogue, adding a layer of irony that gives the audience insight into the disorganized, chaotic world of the lower-class characters compared to the grandeur of the party.

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First Servingman

Line 5-6:
“Away with the joint stools, remove the court cupboard, look to the plate. Good thou, save me a piece of marchpane, and, as thou loves me, let the porter let in Susan Grindstone and Nell. Anthony and Potpan!”
Explanation:
The First Servingman gives various orders: to move furniture, check the silverware, and save him a piece of marchpane (a sweet treat). He then asks for two other women, Susan Grindstone and Nell, to be let in.
Language Devices:

• Imperatives: The use of commands (away, remove, look, save) conveys urgency and the busy nature of the scene.
• Colloquial language: Terms like “good thou” and “as thou loves me” create a sense of informal camaraderie between the servants.

Analysis:
This shows the frenetic energy of the servants as they try to prepare for the banquet. It’s clear that the work is tedious and requires cooperation, even among those of lower social standing.

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Capulet (Enter with his household)

Line 7-8:
“Welcome, gentlemen. Ladies that have their toes Unplagued with corns will walk a bout with you.”
Explanation:
Capulet, the host, welcomes the guests and makes a humorous remark. He suggests that ladies who don’t have corns on their toes (a common foot ailment) can join the dance.
Language Devices:

• Humor/Light-heartedness: The playful comment adds a touch of humor and sets the tone for Capulet’s character.
• Wordplay: “Plagued with corns” is a metaphor for someone being restricted from dancing because of foot pain.

Analysis:
Capulet’s words show him as a jovial, welcoming figure, keen on ensuring his guests have a good time. His joviality contrasts with Tybalt’s seriousness later in the scene.

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Capulet’s Cousin

Line 9-10:
“By ’r Lady, thirty years.”
Explanation:
Capulet’s cousin responds to a question about how long it’s been since they last danced at a party. He says “thirty years,” emphasizing the passage of time.
Language Devices:

• Informal speech: The use of “By ’r Lady” (an oath) adds realism and shows the character’s social position.

Analysis:
This line contributes to the theme of time, showing that Capulet’s generation has grown old, and it is now the younger generation’s turn to enjoy such activities.

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Capulet and His Cousin

Line 11-12:
“What, man, ’tis not so much, ’tis not so much. ’Tis since the nuptial of Lucentio, Come Pentecost as quickly as it will, Some five and twenty years, and then we masked.”
Explanation:
Capulet argues that it hasn’t been 30 years since they last danced, but more like 25 years, dating back to Lucentio’s wedding.
Language Devices:

• Colloquial language: “What, man” and “’tis” give the line an informal, conversational tone.
• Euphemism: Capulet uses “we masked” to describe when they last danced, implying that they disguised themselves for the occasion.

Analysis:
Capulet’s argument emphasizes the passage of time and how things have changed. He uses these memories to show his lighter, humorous side.

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Romeo

Line 13-14:
“What lady’s that which doth enrich the hand Of yonder knight?”
Explanation:
Romeo asks a servant about the identity of the lady who is dancing with a knight.
Language Devices:

• Formal language: The phrasing “doth enrich” reflects Romeo’s noble speech and admiration.

Analysis:
Romeo is immediately taken by Juliet’s beauty, and his question to the servant reflects his growing infatuation. It is also the moment he first notices her, marking a turning point in the play.

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Romeo

Line 15-16:
“O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night As a rich jewel in an Ethiop’s ear— Beauty too rich for use, for Earth too dear.”
Explanation:
Romeo compares Juliet’s beauty to a bright torch and a jewel that shines against the dark night, suggesting that her beauty is beyond earthly value.
Language Devices:

• Metaphor: Comparing Juliet to a jewel in an Ethiop’s ear and a torch gives her an otherworldly, divine quality.
• Hyperbole: Romeo exaggerates her beauty, calling it “too rich for use” and “too dear for Earth.”

Analysis:
Romeo’s language elevates Juliet to an idealized, almost unreachable level, emphasizing his deep admiration and the spiritual connection he feels with her.

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Tybalt

Line 17-18:
“This, by his voice, should be a Montague. Fetch me my rapier, boy. What, dares the slave Come hither covered with an antic face To fleer and scorn at our solemnity?”
Explanation:
Tybalt recognizes Romeo’s voice and immediately wants to confront him, accusing him of mocking their celebration.
Language Devices:

• Alliteration: “Fleer and scorn” uses the repetition of the “s” sound for emphasis.
• Metaphor: “Covered with an antic face” refers to Romeo’s mask.

Analysis:
Tybalt’s aggressive reaction contrasts with Capulet’s jovial nature, creating tension in the scene. Tybalt’s immediate hostility toward Romeo marks him as an antagonist, foreshadowing the conflict between the two families.

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Capulet

Line 19-20:
“Why, how now, kinsman? Wherefore storm you so?”
Explanation:
Capulet asks Tybalt why he’s so angry, suggesting he’s overreacting.
Language Devices:

• Rhetorical Question: The question emphasizes Capulet’s confusion at Tybalt’s sudden outburst.

Analysis:
Capulet’s calm demeanor and desire to maintain peace in the celebration reveal his priorities as the host, trying to avoid any disruption to the event.