Question

Use the following excerpt from, “Romeo and Juliet” by Shakespeare to answer the following question:

Excerpt (Act 1, Scene 5 – When Romeo and Juliet first meet at the Capulet party):

ROMEO: If I profane with my unworthiest hand
This holy shrine, the gentle fine is this:
My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand
To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss.

JULIET: Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much,
Which mannerly devotion shows in this;
For saints have hands that pilgrims' hands do touch,
And palm to palm is holy palmers' kiss.

In 3-5 sentences, identify and explain how the playwright develops a certain mood for this scene. Use evidence from the excerpt to support your answer.

Remember to use ACES when writing your response and answer ALL parts of the question.

Answer 1

The mood is romantic and reverent with a playful, flirtatious tone. Shakespeare develops this by using religious imagery and a shared metaphor: Romeo calls Juliet a “holy shrine” and his lips “two blushing pilgrims…ready…with a tender kiss,” which makes their first touch seem sacred and respectful. Juliet’s witty reply—“saints have hands that pilgrims' hands do touch…palm to palm is holy palmers' kiss”—extends the conceit and returns his flirtation, creating an intimate back-and-forth. By pairing sacred language with clever banter, the playwright makes the encounter feel both devout and coquettish, emphasizing immediate romantic chemistry.