Shakespeare presents, from the very beginning, the families as a dichotomy. He introduces them at the same time, and claims that both are "alike in dignity." The introduction shows that the two families are going to be the main focus of the play, and that they will be placed in contrast to each other. Shakespeare also points towards the violent resolution, by mentioning topics such as "ancient grudges," "mutinies" and "civil blood" and the "parents' strife."
Finally, he also foreshadows the death of both Romeo and Juliet, in the line "a pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life."
