Explore the dramatic effect of Act 3 Scene 1 in Romeo and Juliet. In what ways can it be seen as a turning point in the play?

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Coursework: Romeo and Juliet

Explore the dramatic effect of Act 3 Scene 1 in Romeo and Juliet. In what ways can it be seen as a turning point in the play?

Act 3 Scene 1 is a very dramatic and powerful scene, which witnesses the death of two prevalent characters in the play. I will analyse and explore the dramatic effect this scene has upon the rest of the play and subsequent scenes. The way this scene unfolds, in an unexpected manner provides excitement and tension throughout this section of the play.

The fight scene, Act 3 Scene 1, can be viewed as a dramatic turning point. To explain and confirm this I will look at how all the characters are affected, how the scene changes or impacts upon the complete plot and how it makes the scene important.

The scene in question is positioned near the middle of the play; this one point alone contributes to its importance, as all the events subsequent to it will be affected by the events that occur in this scene. Prior to this influential scene, Juliet’s father Capulet arranges for her to marry Paris, another Capulet. However Juliet does not want to cooperate and marry Paris. Before the Capulet masked ball, Romeo seemed love sick for Rosaline, a Montague, but when Romeo and Juliet meet, they fall head long in love. They marry in secret, against Juliet’s father’s wishes, which was a great sin in such a patriarchal society. Their marriage takes place before Act 3 Scene 1, looking to bring peace between the two families.

This is the reason in the fight scene, why Romeo is so reluctant to fight Tybalt, as he is Juliet’s Cousin. It is a central and vital scene in the plot as many events occur. After the death of Tybalt, and Mercutio, who is Romeo’s friend and fellow Montague, Romeo is forced to leave Verona and flee to Mantua. From this scene onwards the plot thickens and events become increasingly tense. This scene has a vivid dramatic effect on the rest of the play.

The opening of Act 3, Scene 1 is a very lighthearted affair. Benvolio and Mercutio, Montague’s kinsmen, are arguing in a public place in Verona. In comparison it is very similar to the beginning of Act 1, Scene 1 that entails Sampson and Gregory arguing, as do Benvolio and Mercutio. In contrast Sampson and Gregory are Capulets, whereas Benvolio and Mercutio are not. The Kinsmen, during the opening of the scene discuss the hot weather: “For now, these hot days in the mad blood stirring”, Benvolio implies that the hot weather could lead tempers to fray, and fights to break. Another key-line in the scene: “And if we meet we shall not escape a brawl,” from Benvolio, showing his worries that a fight will emerge, that he does not want, inadvertently leading the audience to recall the Prince’s proclamation, although this is Shakespeare’s intention. The two friends arguing set a light hearted atmosphere that is soon to change with Tybalt’s entrance.

The arrival of Tybalt brings a lot of tension to the scene. Benvolio acts somewhat surprised, and evidently cautiously. Mercutio on the other hand is arrogant, and taunts Tybalt. It is apparent that Mercutio is acting very condescendingly toward Tybalt and is looking for a fight: “Make it a word and a blow.” Tybalt also seems confident, but does not want to fight Mercutio, rather, he wants Romeo: “Mercutio, thou consortest with Romeo.”

When Romeo enters his reaction confirms this: “Well, peace be with you, sir, here comes my man,” Tybalt referring to Romeo, verifying the fact that it is Romeo that Tybalt wants to fight. Tybalt is very cold towards Romeo, and wants to talk to him about the Capulet ball. Tybalt insults Romeo and calls him a villain. Romeo responds very calmly, saying that he has to love Tybalt, as Juliet is Tybalt’s cousin, and tries to avoid conflict: “Therefore farewell, I see thou knowest me not.” At this point Tybalt does not know about the marriage, between Romeo and Juliet, and so cannot understand Romeo’s reluctance to fight. This is dramatic irony, as the audience has seen the marriage, and can see Tybalt’s confusion, as they know something that Tybalt does not.

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Tybalt insults Romeo again: “Boy,” and uses the party as an excuse to fight: “Turn and draw.” Romeo’s predicament causes him a great deal of discomfort during this scene. He does not want to fight Tybalt, Romeo’s dialogue shows this: “And so, good Capulet, which name I tender as dearly as mine own, be satisfied.” Romeo tries to flatter Tybalt to diffuse the situation; whilst at the same time insinuates the fact that he loves a Capulet, the irony of the matter is that Romeo is referring to Juliet. This also is linked with Juliet’s speech on the balcony, ...

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