Setting 3.1

Shakespeare is creating a setting for a fight when he states: “The day is hot, the Capels are abroad, For now, these hot days, is the mad blood stiring.” (3.1.2-4) Happens in the streets of Verona (ie in the view of the public)

hot climate portrays the passions, something Benvolio refers to directly when he says, "For, now, these hot days, is the mad blood stirring" (3.1.1).

Romeo and Juliet have very different worlds Romeo and Juliet have very different worlds. Romeo is always seen in the streets, never in his own house. However its like Juliet is imprisoned within her room. we never see her leave, only when she is in the tomb/Friars cell

Shakespeare chose Verona, as Verona has very hot summers and the hot days could heighten peoples tempers, ie Tybalt and Mercutio (for example in ACT 3 SCENE 1) To add to that you can say that the hot days symbolise Romeo and Juliet's love for each other.

You could also say that the large open squares of Verona are a perfect setting to stage the fight in ACT 3 SCENE 1.

5.1

Could we also say when Romeo visits the "poor apothecary," he convinces him to sell him a dram of poison. Romeo is buying from death, due to the physical state of the man. Could this also reflect on the setting, as the man would not b positioned in a bright light area. There is this idea of the contrasting images of the light and dark?