A comparison between the theatrical styles of After Juliet and Romeo and Juliet.

There are numerous moments in our play that sum up the style. The theatrical style is shown through the lyrical language. The first scene in the play is where Rosaline and Valentine are arguing about the peace that has been put on them. They are being really sarcastic with each other and blatantly doing things to antagonise and bait each other. Valentine goes to the Capulet's territory looking for trouble and warns Rosaline to stay away from Benvolio. This scene is important as it shows you the hate and bitterness between the two families.

Valentine

Wash my hands of you

That's what I want.

Get the smell of you and all Capulets

Off my hands.

This quote supports my point. It shows show's that the continuous feud between the Montague's and Capulet's is still taking place and how much hatred the two different groups feel for each other. It also shows that this is a clear central theme to the play.

The next scene in the play is where Lorenzo and Gianni are talking about when Lorenzo made love to Juliet. Gianni gets really confused and thinks that he is talking about his cousin Juliet. This scene is a typical example of comedy from the play. The repetition in this scene is one of the main aspects that adds humour.

The scene with Benvolio and Rosaline also sums up its style. Rosaline is on her own in the rain as the Montague's have been throwing stones at her. Benvolio comes to see if she's all right. This scene is full of different emotions; anger, hate, love, heartbreak, tragedy etc.

Rosaline

When there's a new Prince of Cats.

Then the days will breath again.

This quote shows the anger that Rosaline feels in the scene. She is angry as the Montague's think that they can keep getting there way with the Capulets and winning in fights. However, she is saying to Benvolio as soon as there is a new Prince of Cats things will change.

Rosaline

Do you find it a strain?

Being so decent?

This quote shows me that Rosaline has feelings for Benvolio as she is being flirty with him. There are also numerous points in the play that show tragedy. Valentine has lost his twin brother Mercutio due to all the fights that the two families keep having, this is why he is completely bitter towards the Capulet's and hates the idea of Benvolio being with Rosaline.

Valentine

Where is Mercutio now?

There is such a silence

In the world

Since has has left it.

Rosaline's scene where she is visiting Juliet's grave also shows tragedy as she is talking about how Juliet took Romeo away from her and if it wasn't for Juliet then Romeo would still be alive.

Rosaline

Later still, you took my love

And didn't know you'd done it;

Then having taken him

You let him die.

Likewise, in Romeo and Juliet the theatrical style is shown through the lyrical language. Also, there are particular scenes which show similarity in content. For example, act 2 scene 2 which is the balcony scene shows love between two members of the different families as does the scene in After Juliet with Benvolio and Rosaline.

Romeo

She speaks.

O, speak again, bright angel, for thou art

As glorious to this night, being o'er my head,

As is a winged messenger of heaven

In act 3 scene 1 Mercutio and Benvolio are discussing the hot day and the possibility of a quarrel. Tybalt enters looking for Romeo and starts causing trouble. Mercutio and Tybalt are about to fight when Romeo comes He tries to avoid the conflict because he is now married to Juliet. However, Mercutio can't stand the idea that Romeo is ignoring Tybalt and draws his sword to fight. Romeo and Benvolio try to stop the fight but Tybalt stabs Mercutio under Romeo's arm. Romeo then kills Tybalt and is sentenced to exile by the Prince. This scene shows the first part of tragedy that the couple have to face as Romeo has been exiled and may never see Juliet again

Tybalt

Romeo, the hate I bear thee can afford

No better term than this,--thou art a villain.

.

This scene also shows the continuous feud between the two families.

My role in "After Juliet" is a lot like Juliet from Shakespeare's play. Both characters are from the Capulet family and are around the same age. They both fall in love with a member of the Montague family, Juliet falls in love with Romeo whereas Rosaline falls in love with Benvolio. Also, both the characters try to deny that they are in love at first because they are ashamed of falling in love with their life long enemies. I think that the characters have a lot of similarities as they both live similar lifestyles. However, Rosaline appears to be a much more modern character than Juliet and I think that she seems a lot more strong willed and stubborn. I think this as in Romeo and Juliet, Juliet always does as she is told by her Mother and Farther and always talks to them with respect. However, I don't get the impression that Rosaline is like that as she always stands up for herself when Benvolio and Valentine are mocking her.

In conclusion, I have found a lot of similarities between the two plays. All the characters face the same sort of problems as the two plays are connected. One of the main central themes in both plays is the continuous feud between the Montague's and the Capulets. Also, in both plays a member of each of the families fall in love with each other despite all the arguing that both of their families are doing. However, there are also differences between the two different plays "After Juliet" is a lot more modern, it can be set practically anywhere whereas Romeo and Juliet has to be set in Verona in the medieval times. Also, Romeo and Juliet is written in full Shakespearian language whereas "After Juliet" is more like standard English.

Sarah Ward 11RP