*Prologue as Foreshadowing: The play opens with a sonnet-like prologue that explicitly describes the main plot and mentions how the love between Romeo and Juliet will lead to their untimely deaths. This immediate forewarning leaves little doubt that the story will end tragically, building a sense of anticipation and dread among the audience.
*Feuding Households: From the outset, we learn about the longstanding bitter rivalry between the Montague and Capulet families that has plagued Verona. This feud establishes a hostile environment, where characters' lives can be threatened by mere associations or allegiances. The rift between the families sets the stage for Romeo and Juliet's eventual demise.
*Act One Characters' Interaction: The interactions among characters further hint at the tragic path ahead. Romeo is love sick and pessimistic, even before he meets Juliet. Tybalt, a hot tempered Capulet, appears at the Capulet's ball ready to fight over trivial matter, foreshadowing the potential violence that awaits anyone who dares cross the divide.
*Fate and Destiny: In Act One, the role of fate and destiny in shaping events is strongly emphasized. The language, particularly from Romeo, is filled with references to fate and future doom. The recurring idea of forces beyond human control, driving characters toward their inevitable tragic fate, intensifies the sense of foreboding.
*Star-Crossed Lovers: Romeo and Juliet's first encounter is often hailed as the pinnacle of romantic devotion. However, it is important to note that this meeting takes place at the Capulet's ball to which Romeo sneaks in, setting the scene for the challenges and secrecy the lovers will face because of their families' conflict. Their intense attraction from the start emphasizes the impossibility of their love and their eventual downfall.
*Violence and Tension: Even in Act One, Shakespeare includes scenes of violence, such as the street brawls between the Montagues and Capulets. The play introduces characters and establishes their readiness to engage in conflicts, foreshadowing the more serious violent conflict that will later drive the plot.
*Escalating Conflict: The act ends with Tybalt confronting Romeo when he discovers that he is a Montague at the ball. This encounter sparks a verbal duel between Tybalt and Mercutio, building tensions that suggest more violent confrontations to come.
In conclusion, Act One of Romeo and Juliet uses various dramatic elements to prepare the audience for tragedy. It introduces the feuding families, hints at fate and destiny's influence and presents Romeo and Juliet's ill fated love. Foreshadowing and tension gradually build, leaving little doubt in the audience's minds that the story will end tragically.