Romeo and Juliet Scence 5

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By Ljaureta Krasniqi

How does Shakespeare’s presentation of the ‘star crossed lovers’ in Act 1 Scene 5 prepare the audience for the inevitable tragedy?

By Ljaureta Krasniqi

William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet is the most influential romantic tragedy plays of all times. The play which was written in the Elizabethan times in 1554 appealed to the Elizabethan audience via the play’s tragedy. Elizabethan audiences enjoyed this play partly because of the dramatic irony used where the audience knows more than the characters do, but also because they admired tragedies. The prologue is used at the beginning to summarise what the play is about the prologue mentions ‘two star crossed lovers’ who attempt to overcome the conflict between each others families despite them being at odds with one another for decades, dramatic irony is created when the audience learn of the 'death marked love’. Act 1 Scene 5 prepare the audience for the inevitable tragedy as this is the first time Romeo and Juliet meet. The play shows the audience an insight of what is going to occur through the prologue, this creates suspense and tension as audience members can not wait to see what they have learnt in action.

Two powerful families the Montagues and the Capulets, have been feuding with each other for years. We learn about Romeo’s fight with fellow family members of the Capulet’s in previous scenes. Old Capulet Juliet’s father throws a party to which he invites all his friends and promises Paris that he shall see his daughter Juliet for the possible engagement. However Old Capulet is unsure whether he wants Juliet to get married so soon. “My child is yet a stranger in the world”, “Let two more summers wither in their pride.” Capulet tells Paris that he should wait and that Juliet is still too young. This has a massive effect with the audience as they know what is to come because of the prologue, this leaves the audience tense as they can not wait to see Romeo disobey this.

Although the Montagues are not invited, Romeo still attends the party despite the fact the Prince informed the two families that they should stay away from each other under the circumstances of the fight they had that day. Both the Montague’s and Capulets were seen fighting yet again with each other in the middle of Verona, the Prince brought both families together and gives them a sentence, “if you ever disturb our streets again your lives shall pay the forfeit.” Knowing this Romeo is taking a big risk to attend the ball. This creates suspense and adds tension to the audience as they wait anxiously to see what is to come.  Romeo’s original intentions had been to seek his current love Rosaline but once inside he’s attention is stolen; not by Rosaline but by Juliet. Romeo’s sudden transformation in mood and Juliet’s detachment from her obligations to her father regarding her husband to be, Paris changes the character’s role. Romeo and Juliet fall in love instantly yet Romeo is disappointed to learn that Juliet is a Capulet, he’s family eternal enemy, Shakespeare shows us that their love is destined for misfortune. This goes back to Romeo’s premonition before entering the ball, “my mind misgives some consequences yet hanging in the stars.” Shakespeare’s early foreshadowing of Romeo’s death creates dramatic irony, which heightens the audience’s interest also involvement by increasing their anticipation while simultaneously improving the audience understanding of the play.  Juliet also notices Romeo but is unaware that he is a member of the Montague family. Juliet says, “My only love sprung from my only hate!” this creates dramatic irony as it was already set and stoned as the audience was prepared for this. Shakespeare uses this to keep his audience determined to keep on watching for the next part.

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The servants are preparing for the Capulet’s masked ball. The hustle and bustle of the servants as they hurry to finish various tasks, Shakespeare makes this scene very dramatic as all the servants are rushed off their feet: “Away with the joint tools, remove the court cupboards, look to the plate”. This contributes to the dramatic atmosphere. Also the calls for servants “where’s Poptan” and the many jobs that are higher than the number of staff, “we cannot be here and there to” this creates a sense of chaos in the scene. Moreover the copious display of wealth in ...

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