Ashley Booth 10Ty
How does Shakespeare create dramatic tension in Act3.5 of Romeo and Juliet? Consider how the language and structure of the scene may shape audience response.
This scene is vitally important as it shows how deeply Romeo and Juliet feel for each other and it also deeply involves the audience watching the play at this point because they now know what Capulet and Lady Capulet don’t know. This is a good way of drawing the audience deep into the play as it is almost humorous to see Juliet lie to her parents. Before Act3.5 Romeo has spent the night with Juliet and the scene begins in the morning. Juliet’s bedroom is the main place for this scene where the father becomes furious with some of her decisions. This essay will express views from an audience perspective and demonstrate how this scene is an important part of the play.
Tension throughout the scene varies as in some parts it can get very tense, this is just one factor which makes this scene so powerful. For example, in the beginning, there is a peaceful surrounding as the sun is just rising and Romeo and Juliet are very happy with each other. Juliet wills Romeo to stay as the signs of warning are not yet clear “Yond light is not daylight; I know it, I:” Here she is happy for Romeo to stay and is oblivious to anyone disturbing them. This is the same with the audience as they too don’t know of any danger. The language at this part of the scene is in verse as they have the time to think of what to say. It is spoken in the form of iambic pentameter, this is where every line has 10 syllables, 5 stressed and 5 unstressed. Especially at the start of this scene, the iambic pentameter is kept to a strict pattern as it gives happy and peaceful vibes. Juliet continues to become more anxious as she realises that some one could enter at any time. Quickly she starts to hurry Romeo out of the window when the Nurse bursts in warning them of Lady Capulet. “ Your lady mother is coming to your chamber.” This is spoken with speed as the Nurse wants to help Juliet as she sees her as her own child. From this point onwards the tension slowly builds until nearer the end of the scene. There is an uneasy feel for the audience when Lady Capulet enters Juliet’s room, because Romeo is still with Juliet which is seen only by the audience and not by Lady Capulet. After his departure, the little bit of tension that was in the room disappears not only because she doesn’t have to hide Romeo anymore.
