Discuss the use of dramatic devises in Act 3 scene1 of Romeo and Juliet and how they are used to present the theme of conflict. Why is this scene important to the play as a whole?
Discuss the use of dramatic devises in Act 3 scene1 of Romeo and Juliet and how they are used to present the theme of conflict. Why is this scene important to the play as a whole? Romeo and Juliet is a play of many themes. Like most of Shakespeare’s plays, it has a main plot with many subtexts, the main plot being related to love and tragedy. The theme of conflict is also a major theme. This scene, Act 3 scene 1, begins with Mercutio teasing Benvolio and making fun of Tybalt in a street in Verona, waiting for Romeo to arrive. Whilst there, Tybalt and Mercutio provoke a quarrel. Tybalt is looking around for Romeo, whom he wants to punish for sneaking into the masked party the previous night. After Romeo's arrival he explains to Tybalt that he harbours no hatred of the Capulet house. Tybalt is unsure of how to deal with Romeo and is determined to challenge Romeo to a duel. Romeo refuses the challenge, but Mercutio provokes Tybalt to the duel instead. This fight leads to Mercutio's death as Romeo's attempt to stop the duel fails. At this, Romeo vows revenge on Tybalt, and Tybalt is killed in the duel. Benvolio warns Romeo to get away before the Prince arrives. The Prince, followed by the Montague and Capulet families, arrive at the scene. Benvolio tells the Prince the entire story, but he refuses to believe Romeo is guiltless. So he then banishes Romeo from Verona, threatening to kill him should he return. The theme of conflict would be an important one to a sixteenth century audience as in the sixteenth century it was common to express love in conflict. The story is influenced by cultural development from the 1500's as during this period of time, arranged marriages traditional and so Lord Capulet's desire for his daughter to marry Paris would not have been unusual even though she is only 14. Act 3, is right in the middle of the 5 acts that composed the play, containing the climax of the play. It is the pivotal scene. The first two acts build up to the climax and the last two follow down from it. Act 3 is essential to the play as a whole as this is the emotional and action-packed high point of the play, with mixed emotions of love, fate and tragedy. The general contrast of love and hate in the play is very clear in this scene. Shakespeare establishes the setting of this scene through the initial dialogue between Benvolio and Mercutio, using dramatic devices such as metaphors to express the emotions between the characters, and creating a tense atmosphere between them. Also, the way inwhich language is used initially creates a tense atmosphere on stage, Mercutio's taunting of Benvolio and repetition of the 'heat' of the day. At the start of this scene, Shakespeare uses comedy to create a humorous atmosphere, mixing the humour with violence. This seems to enhance the scene rather than weaken it because of the origins of humour which often lie in irony. The scene could have been performed without the comedy, with the fight just breaking out or even with conversation before the fight of a more serious nature, but the combination of humour and violence is more striking. Also, I think Shakespeare did this to build up tension in the audience, whilst also showing that the characters are not really serious or having a genuine fight. The wordplay between Mercutio and Tybalt before and during the fight is rather humorous. After Tybalt insults Mercutio, Mercutio follows up with an insulting pun. 'Will you pluck your sword out of his pilcher by the ears?' (3.1.79-80) If something has to be pulled out by the ears in order to make it come, it is because it really doesn't want to come. Mercutio says this as he thinks Tybalt's sword does not want to come out of the scabbard because he doesn't really want to fight. Another example of Shakespeare's use of comedy is when
Mercutio uses a pun about himself and his fate. 'Ask for me tomorrow, you shall find me a grave man'. (3.1.97-98) This is when Mercutio has just been stabbed by Tybalt and he therefore uses this quote as a threat and also to alarm Tybalt. When Tybalt arrives, everyone becomes serious; tensions between the families are rising and no one is going to take the blame for starting the feud. I think Tybalt intended death to occur at some stage, although I don't think he realised how he would feel after it had happened. It wasn't until after he had ...
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Mercutio uses a pun about himself and his fate. 'Ask for me tomorrow, you shall find me a grave man'. (3.1.97-98) This is when Mercutio has just been stabbed by Tybalt and he therefore uses this quote as a threat and also to alarm Tybalt. When Tybalt arrives, everyone becomes serious; tensions between the families are rising and no one is going to take the blame for starting the feud. I think Tybalt intended death to occur at some stage, although I don't think he realised how he would feel after it had happened. It wasn't until after he had killed Mercutio that he began to regret what he had done. The conflict at this point in the scene is somewhat comedic. Even though the characters are fighting, the use of puns and sarcasm gives an entertaining effect to the scene. At this point I do not think the audience would expect calamity. The whole atmosphere on stage gives an expression of playfulness. After all the tension on stage between the characters, Romeo enters into this scene feeling peace loving and good-tempered. He is not in the mood for fighting with anyone. Mercutio has been waiting for Romeo to arrive and when he finally does, Mercutio is totally focussed on him. Being unsure of how to deal with Romeo after his un-invited appearance at the masquerade, Tybalt ignores Mercutio and instead confronts Romeo in sarcastic disrespect. 'Romeo, the love I bear thee can afford No better term than this- thou art a villain.' (3.1.59-61) Romeo does not react at all as expected. At this point he is feeling very relaxed and light-hearted, after having returned from his secretive marriage with his beloved wife, Juliet, whom he is very much devoted to, and he is therefore now related to Tybalt. He tries to tell Tybalt how much he loves him and the Capulets, but Tybalt cannot understand as he does not know that his cousin, Juliet is now Romeo's bride. Romeo responds to Tybalts criticism.'Tybalt, the reason that I have to love theeDoth much excuse the appertaining rageTo such a greeting. Villain am I none.Therefore farewell; I see thou know'st me not.' (3.1.62-64)This is Romeo's way of saying he has a reason to love Tybalt and therefore he is going to overlook the insult. This angers Tybalt as he was not expecting this kind of attitude from him, but was expecting Romeo to be just as disrespectful as he was. Tybalt did not come looking for words of love, but came for a fight. He tries again, this time hoping to succeed.'Boy, this shall not excuse the injuriesThat thou hast done me. Therefore turn and draw.' (3.1.65-66)At this point, Shakespeare uses dramatic irony, as only we, the audience know Romeo's motives because only we have knowledge of his marriage to Juliet. Romeo turns, but does not draw. Instead he gives Tybalt more loving words and adds that he loves the name 'Capulet' as his own, and warns Tybalt to be satisfied. The way Romeo speaks also enrages Mercutio.'O calm, dishonorable, vile submission!Alla stoccata carries it away.' (3.1.73-74)Mercutio thinks that Tybalt has cowed Romeo with his wittiness, which has outraged Mercutio, making him want to fight Tybalt even more. Romeo's entrance causes conflict in this part of the play. It is his choice of words that enraged Tybalt making him want to duel with Romeo even more. Contrast in their moods causes friction and also, the secretiveness of Romeo's wedding to Juliet. Tybalt interprets Romeo's genuine desire to be friendly, as sarcasm. If it wasn't for Romeo's entrance, the scene may not have ended in such a calamitous way. After a volley of insults between Mercutio and Tybalt, Mercutio draws his sword to fight in order to defend the Montague's honour, his motive is brovado, rather than intention to kill. He has got to the point where Tybalt has really annoyed and irritated him and the only way to get over the feeling is to fight him. Mercutio does this as he believes he is stronger and therefore does not want to look weak by not taking up a fight. Romeo refused to duel with Tybalt, and Mercutio sees this as dishonourable. Also, Mercutio draws his sword after an extreme insult delivered by Tybalt.'Mercutio, thou consort'st with Romeo.' (3.1.44)This is an insult which he will not let Tybalt get away with, he will no longer put up with it and draws on Tybalt. The reason for Tybalt drawing his sword is to defend himself and also because Mercutio irritates him.'Good King of Cats, nothing but one of your ninelives, that I mean to make bold withal; and, as youshall use me hereafter, dry-beat the rest of theeight.' (3.1.76-79)This is a sneer at Tybalt's name as it is the name of the King of Cats in 'Reynard the Fox'. Mercutio's reference to one of Tybalt's nine lives shows he is fighting to defend the Montague rather than to kill. The theme of conflict is made evident by copious use of swordplay throughout the play. This dramatic affect reminds the audience of the theme. Mercutio and Tybalt both draw their swords to create a dramatic effect. Shakespeare's language suggests their reasons as he uses short speeches for Tybalt and long speeches for Mercutio.This annoys Mercutio as Tybalt pays no attention to him. Romeo tries to break the fight between Mercutio and Tybalt by stepping between them in order to prevent them both from doing something stupid like getting injured or even killed. He tries telling them both that they are doing a shameful thing, but none of this does any good. 'Gentlemen, for shame, forbear this outrage!' (3.1.86) This shows that Romeo is beginning to get worried about the situation. His entrance also breaks up Tybalt and Mercutio's argument and seems to calm Tybalt down. Romeo seems worried and anxious at the fact that he may be seen by someone nearby who may possibly tell the Prince. His anxiety sustains the tension in the scene. His intervention changes the outcome of the fight, if he had not interfered, Mercutio may have survived. Mercutio responds to Romeo's intervention by shouting short words and phrases of abuse. His use of puns are not as light-hearted as they were at the beginning of the scene, he uses them more seriously to get at Romeo. 'Ask for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man.' (3.1.96-97) Here, he uses curses as direct accusations towards both Romeo and Tybalt, which show his emotions. Mercutio's death is a pivotal moment in the scene, there is an abrupt change in mood from the immediately previous scene, after he is killed by Tybalt. He is a character full of life and energy, making the scene comedic and humorous. When Mercutio is killed the tone to the rest of the play becomes more serious and violent., changing the play from what seemed to be a comedy into a tragedy. At this point the audience would be shocked by, and angry with Tybalt as Mercutio was only joking with him. As he is dying he curses both households.'A plague o' both your houses.' (3.1.98-99)Repeating this curse three times as he wants them to realize the impact of their actions, and will not forgive them. In the 1500's to do something three times was considered a kind of magical power which was believed to come true. The reason he does this is because he realizes that his forthcoming death is as a direct result of their feud. He tried to help the Montagues but did not receive anything in return. Mercutio blames his injury on Tybalt, and asks Romeo. 'Why the devil came you between us? I was hurt under your arm.' (3.1.102-103) Romeo replies that he was trying to help by doing what he thought was best, without listening, Mercutio continues to curse.'Your houses!' (3.1.108) Romeo is left alone on stage for a moment and speaks aloud.'O sweet Juliet!Thy beauty hath made me effeminate,And in my temper soften'd valor's steel!' (3.1.113-115)Romeo's soliloquy reveals his thoughts and emotions to the audience. He is annoyed about what has happened to his best friend and will take it out on Tybalt. When Benvolio brings the news that Mercutio is dead, Romeo seeks out and slays Tybalt in revenge. Romeo blames Mercutio's death partly on himself and feels guilty of his actions, ashamed that love has softened his bravery. The reason he acted the way he did was because of his marriage with Tybalt's cousin. Benvolio convinces Romeo to flee before the Prince arrives. Romeo's mood has now changed from when he first entered the scene. Before this he was feeling happy and proud, whereas now he feels guilty and remorseful, no longer speaking words of love. Romeo's change in attitude is an example of the contrasting themes of love and hate. He entered the scene feeling love towards Tybalt and exits the scene with a sense of disgust and bitterness towards him. Romeo knows he has reached a point of no return. He will fight Tybalt to avenge Mercutio, but he knows that that will not be the end of anything. When Tybalt returns, Romeo ignores his previous 'respectful' attitude and instead challenges Tybalt, reminding him that it was he who killed Mercutio and consequently Tybalt's soul must join his. 'Either thou, or I, or both, must go with him.' (3.1.129) His reason for killing Tybalt is simply because he loathes Tybalt for causing Mercutio's death, and wants to show how annoyed he is by fighting Tybalt. It was common in the 1500's that a friend would avenge another friend's life if it was taken away.I think an audience would think Tybalt deserved it as he was just as bad as Mercutio in the sense that he insulted both Mercutio and Romeo, even though Romeo was trying to make peace between them by speaking words of love. The audience would also feel sympathetic towards Mercutio because he was only intending it to be a joke between him and Tybalt. The killing of Tybalt is simply the tail end of the climatical killing of Mercutio. Without Mercutio's death, there is no need for Tybalt's death. Perhaps Tybalt's death is better described as the reason for Mercutio death. As soon as Tybalt falls to the ground, Romeo stands in a daze, realizing what he has done and is immediately shocked, stunned. He realizes he should not have said what he said, and should have thought about his actions more carefully, controlling his temper. 'O, I am fortune's fool.' (3.1.136) Here, Romeo regrets his actions and claims he is a victim of bad luck . The audience knows there is worse to come, but Romeo, himself, does not. This is an example of dramatic irony, where the audience knows what the character does not. Murdering Tybalt was a terrible thing to do because he was Juliet's favourite cousin and also Romeo is now a part of the Capulet family and murdering Tybalt would surely mean the Capulet’s will be against him being accepted as 'one of them'. Fate played a major role in this scene because the duel could have happened anywhere in Verona. The fact that it took place at the exact time and place where Romeo was heading could only have happened by fate. The line which is most telling to the theme of fate in this scene of Romeo and Juliet is. 'O, I am fortune's fool.' (3.1.136) At this point Romeo realizes his life is out of control. Right after Mercutio's death Romeo says: 'This day's black fate on mo days doth depend;' (3.1.119) Romeo knows fate has entered into his life. Also, when the Prince arrives, Benvolio continues with the theme of 'fate' by explaining:'O noble Prince, I can discover allThe unlucky manage of this fatal brawl.' (3.1.142-143) I think Tybalt is mostly to blame as it was he who started the quarrel with Mercutio and Romeo, he was simply asking for a battle. At the beginning of the scene when Romeo enters, Tybalt greets Romeo with an immediate insult for no apparent reason, 'Thou art a villian' (3.1.60) He purely tells Romeo he is willing to fight him, the Montagues, and stand up for the Capulets. I also think Mercutio should take some of the blame too. After all, he could have chosen to ignore Tybalt and and should have walked away. However, he stayed and used his sarcasm as a response to Tybalt's attitude. The conflict between the two families lead to this disastrous ending. I think Romeo is partly to be blamed as it was he who turned up unexpectedly at the Capulet’s party where he fell in love with Juliet, and where it all began. If he had not gone to the party none of this would have happened. Although, I do not think he is entirely to be blamed as he tried putting the differences between himself and Tybalt behind him by ignoring Tybalt's insults and sarcasm, and by not fighting him at the beginning of the scene. Not knowing how to deal with the situation, Prince Escalus asks: 'Benvolio, who began the bloody fray!' (3.1.151) Benvolio informs him about what has happened, giving a truthful account. The Prince is not at all impressed with the situation, and asks a rhetorical question, 'Romeo slew him, he slew Mercutio. Who now the price of his dear blood doth owe?' (3.1.182-183) He tries his best to keep the peace between the Capulet’s and the Montagues. He believes Romeo should not be punished by death as Tybalt's death has already been paid for with Mercutio's death, but he banishes Romeo from Verona a fate worse than death for Romeo, as it means seperation from Juliet. Now that the play seems to have shifted in tone to that of tragedy, it is now impossible for Romeo and Juliet to be together. The conflict between both families has caused too much damage and so being together would only cause more conflict between the families. After all that has happened, I think the audience does not expect a happy ending. It has been made very clear that both families are against each other, this hatred between the family’s means that they are not supposed to be together making it impossible for the youngsters to be married and live a happy future. Maybe Juliet's family would have reconsidered Romeo and Juliet being together if they had known how strongly Juliet felt for Romeo. If Juliet had been more honest about her feelings towards Romeo things may have turned out differently. But Tybalt's death makes matters worse, the hatred becomes stronger than ever before. Prince Escalus announces that Romeo must leave immediately, for his own sake and banishes him to Mantua instead. Here, there is more irony as Romeo is saved. The scene ends with the Prince saying his last words. 'Mercy but murders, pardoning those that kill.' (3.1.197) Meaning if those who kill are given mercy, is as bad as giving permission for murder. With his last words he punishes, to keep the peace, not for revenge. It is clear that conflict plays a major role in this scene of the play. The theme of conflict is expressed through both physical and verbal fighting as well as the interaction between characters and the use of wordplay. In this act of the play you have Juliet’s favourite cousin trying to kill Romeo, who is now married to Juliet and also related to Tybalt. By marrying Juliet Romeo has symbolically tried putting the feud behind him, but finds he cannot. When his best friend, Mercutio is killed by Tybalt, Romeo wants nothing but revenge which puts into action a series of events, one of them being his banishment from Verona, leading to a tragic end for the lovers. The Capulets and Montagues hate each other, Juliet has an arranged marriage to Paris, and there is a plague in the city of the messenger. So it is a case of both bad luck and fate that cause the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. This scene is important to the play as it is the pivotal scene and where love turns into tragedy, misfortune and, of course, death. Where the mood and atmosphere of the play changes. Zahra Nassiri 11aSu
