Romeo and Juliet Dialectical Journals

1. Plot

Two households, both alike in dignity, in fair Verona, where we lay our scene, from ancient grudge break to new mutiny. Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
(I, i, 1)

This line defiantly tells us about the plot. First it tells us that two families that have the same dignity and respect are feuding. Next it tells us that all of this is taking place in Verona. When Shakespeare wrote, “where civil blood makes civil hands unclean” he was foreshadowing that there will be bloodshed between the two civil families.

2. Language

No, sir, I do not bite my thumb at you sir; but I bite my thumb, sir. (I, i, 44)

This shows the language that people used in Shakespearian times. In today’s day and age when you are angry with someone you might give someone the finger, which is immature and disrespectful, but this is basically what Sampson is doing to Abraham. A moment before Sampson was telling Gregory about how he is going to show Abraham what a strong man ...