a plague o' both your houses

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June 2007

GCSE English Literature Coursework

Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet

“A plague o’both your houses!” Discuss the dramatic

 significance of Act III Scene I, the fight scene.

 How might different audiences respond to it?

    Act III scene I is a very dramatic and powerful scene, which witnesses the death of two prominent characters in the play. The dramatic effect in this scene is very powerful and, imperatively, results in the death of both Romeo and Juliet. The way this scene unfolds, in an unexpected manner provides excitement and tension. In previous scenes the reader has seen the progressing love of Romeo and Juliet; from the beginning, where they first met one another, to when they got married in act II scene VI. At a Capulet party, where Romeo and Juliet first meet, Romeo is seen by Tybalt who feels offended that Romeo is present at the masked ball. At the time he takes no action, however, in act III scene I he has not forgotten what Romeo has done and is looking for revenge. Through the confusion and the difference in emotions in act III scene I, Mercutio is fatally wounded. A dying Mercutio sets up the action for the rest of the play when he repeatedly exclaims, "A plague o' both your houses!" This shocking language reminds the audience of the unnecessary hurt they have caused. Tybalt's untimely return drives Romeo, acting on emotion, to kill him. Romeo contrasts his earlier effort to avoid confrontation increasing the dramatic tension in the scene.

     Throughout the play Shakespeare has been gradually building up the tension between the characters he has created. The setting of this scene is in a very open, busy environment, which Shakespeare has cleverly chosen in order to create a pressured atmosphere for the characters. As the arrival of the Capulets occurs the audience can noticeably see that Benvolio is worried, therefore building up tension:

     “By my head, here come the Capulets!”

     This quotation develops the idea that Benvolio is anxious about what the Capulets are going to do and feels intimidated by them. This just highlights that his character is the sort of person who would rather avoid trouble than purposefully provoke someone. Contrastingly, Mercutio is a much more laid back character who will stand up for what he believes in, this contrast in personalities and attitude contributes to both deaths that occur in this scene:

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     “Men’s eyes were made to look, and let them gaze.

I will not budge for no man’s pleasure, I.”

     This quotation effectively illuminates Mercutio’s stubborn, defiant attitude, which may have partially contributed to his own death. Although these words may seem brave, some could say that Mercutio is not thinking through what he is saying and causes an even more ‘hot tempered’ atmosphere. In the situation of Mercutio and Tybalt, where there are many people watching, neither person wants to back down, because this would show weakness. Honour is particularly important in Shakespearian times and ...

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