Discuss the dramatic effect of the contrasts and opposites in Romeo and Juliet

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Discuss the dramatic effect of the contrasts and opposites in "Romeo and Juliet"

In the play The Most Excellent and Lamentable Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare creates tension and dramatic effects by his use of contrasts; this is illustrated in the variety of characters, the language they use and the many themes within the play: fate versus freewill, love versus hate, youth versus age, Mercutio versus Tybalt, comedy versus tragedy and light versus dark. This constant interchange between what is expected and what is actually presented is the key to the drama; Romeo himself notes "... here's much to do with hate, but more with love." An Elizabethan audience were perhaps a challenge to keep entertained, were often easily bored and impatient and required not only the balance between active, violent fight scenes and those of a more gentle, romantic nature but also within scenes, characters themselves are contrasted in terms of age, status and personality. Additionally, there are contradictions and interesting opposites revealed in the actual language used. For example, many arguments expressed in this play serve to highlight the complex and conflicting emotions felt by the characters; all of which would have intrigued an audience