Act 3 Scene 1 is a pivotal scene. How is tension created? How does it affect the dramatic action of the play?

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English Coursework – Max Carter 11EB

Romeo and Juliet.

Act 3 Scene 1 is a pivotal scene. How is tension created? How does it affect the dramatic action of the play?

William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet is believed to have been written around 1595. The story is, of course, about a pair of star-crossed lovers. Two teenagers pursue their love for each other despite the fact that their families have been at odds with each other for decades. The story combines sword fighting / duelling, disguise, misunderstanding, tragedy, revenge, humour, and some of the most romantic language found in literature all in the name of true love.

From the audience’s point of view the play could be seen as a deep, romantic love story where love rises above everything else. However this love is quite ironic as it occurs between two members from rival families; The Montague’s and The Capulet’s, these two powerful families have been feuding with each other for years.

Until the key events in this scene unfold, the play is portrayed as a romantic love story but as the scene draws close to the end, the atmosphere is a lot darker and actually develops into a tragedy.

Mercutio (close friend of Romeo and the Montague family) is one of the only characters in the play who is able to provide frequent comic relief. After his death, the play takes a more sinister and sombre approach and all of a sudden loses its humour.

This death makes the already very frail relationship between the two families a lot worse as it was Tybalt of the Capulet’s who stabbed him in confusion. Tension is increased between characters so that the final scene becomes more significant and dramatic.

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The characters that originally lead and drove the play all of a sudden became driven by the ongoing key events that take place.

Up until this scene, the play is all about love. Old Capulet, Juliet's father, throws a party in his household to which he invites all his friends and family. The Montague’s are of course not invited but Romeo devises a plan to get a look at Rosaline; a young girl he has been pursuing. He disguises himself and slips into the party. Once inside, his attention is stolen; not by Rosaline, but by Juliet. Romeo ...

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