William Shakespeare used contrast to synthesize an element of intensity, for the audience's benefit. The use of contrast appears frequently in act one of 'Romeo and Juliet'. Contrast in moods, characters and setting aids in establishing theme and conflict throughout the story.
The mood of act one is altered from one scene to the next. In act one, we start with the Capulet servants enjoying a joyous and light-hearted conversation. However, when servants of the hated enemy arrive, this mood quickly changes to something much more sinister and heated. …
