In what ways is Act 3 Scene 1 a turning point the play and how does Shakespeare make it dramatic?

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Alistair Fenning :: English Essay :: Romeo & Juliet

In what ways is Act 3 Scene 1 a turning point the play and how does Shakespeare make it dramatic?

Act three Scene 1 shows us the results of intense feelings of family honour coupled with the negative emotions associated with a long running feud. This contrasts the previous scene of love and romace.

The scene is set in the middle of the day where the sun, the temperature and levels of irritability are at their very highest. Tybalt (of the Capulet family), described rather aptly as ‘fiery Tybalt’, has issued a challenge to Romeo (of the Montague family) in retaliation to Romeos (as Tybalt sees it) insulting presence at a Capulet party.

The scene is set in the stage directions as ‘a public place’ and described by Benvolio as a ‘public haunt of men’. At the start of the scene only Mercutio, his page, Benvolio and other ‘men’ are present. Benvolio is keen to escape any fighting ‘we shall not scape a brawl’/

Shakespeare gives Mercutio has a very provocative character and it always prepared to fight, he is constantly using witticisms and playing on words often to the effect of insulting someone else. Shakespeare gives him prose to speak to reflect his character.

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Benvolio, however, couldn’t be more different. He is a peace lover that always looks for an opportunity to settle differences verbally rather than by using violence: ‘either reason coldly of your grievances or let us withdraw unto some private place’

Romeo, who has recently married Juliet, in this scene, is even more keen than usual to keep the peace between the two families.

Tybalt, who is deeply angered by Romeos actions, came with the intent purely upon fighting and seeking his revenge.

Mercutio, Benvolio and Romeo relate well to each other even though they all react ...

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