What is the timeline of day 1 of Romeo and Juliet?

Answer 1

There is no exact timeline, but the following things happen on the first day of the play:

1. A civil brawl between Capulets and Montagues results in the Prince stopping the brawl. He meets with Capulet after and makes an appointment to meet Montague "this afternoon"

2. Mr. and Mrs. Montague sent Benvolio to find Romeo. He finds him at the Sycamore Grove.

3. Capulet, having finished his interview with the Prince, meets with Paris and tells him to scope out Juliet at his "old accustomed feast" that night. He sends an illiterate servant to invite everyone.

4. The servant accidentally informs Romeo and Benvolio who decide to crash Capulet's party.

5. Mrs. Capulet and the nurse tell Juliet that Paris will be at the party and that he's interested in her. Juliet is guarded.

6. There is a party. Romeo et al crash it. Tybalt wants to start a fight but is forestalled. Romeo and Juliet meet and kiss.

7. After the party, Romeo and Juliet meet and talk all night in her garden.

All this takes place on a Sunday, so the day must presumably begin with all these Italian Catholics attending Mass. The fight is late in the morning and the rest of the events up to the party take place in the afternoon. The party (it is a supper party, remember) probably lasts all evening, from 6 p.m. to late, probably near midnight. Romeo and Juliet talk until almost dawn (remember, Romeo does not even go to bed).