Romeo and Juliet - The Dramatic Importance of Act 3 scenes 1 and 5 - Plus an analysis on the how the themes of violence, passion, love and death play a part in these scenes.

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Romeo and Juliet

The Dramatic Importance of Act 3 scenes 1 and 5 - Plus an analysis on the how the themes of violence, passion, love and death play a part in these scenes.

Rome and Juliet is undoubtedly one of the most powerful and widely known love stories ever written. But why is the tragedy of "two star-crossed lovers" so famous and memorable when it only covers four days in the lives of these "two households"? In this play Shakespeare uses the audience's expectations and undercuts them at almost every point. Shakespeare also explores a wide variety of themes in this tragedy. These themes of violence, passion, love and death are easy for anyone of any generation to relate to and that is why over four hundred years later this "tale" of "woe" is still remembered and cherished by millions.

Initially Romeo and Juliet begins as the traditional age-old tale of boy meets girl and young love flourishes. But there is always something ominous lurking in the backround. Their names are constant reminders of an "ancient grudge" and both worry about the future- Romeo worries about the significance of a dream he had in which he predicts that "some consequence" will begin on the night of Capulet's "old accustomed feast", the dark imagery used here reminds the audience of the melancholic ending.

However, for a time love manages to prevail and the audience is content to see that with Friar Lawrence's help, Romeo and Juliet begin to conquer the "ancient grudge" that stands between the two households. But in the first scene of the third act the situation takes a turn for the worse. The murders of Mercutio and Tybalt changes the fate of the lovers and makes their lives much harder. Though the Friar helps and advises the couple even after Romeo's sentence of banishment is given, Act 3 Scene 5 adds yet another obstacle to their troubled marriage. In this scene Juliet hears how her father has abandoned his original plans with Paris about their arranged marriage and decides that Juliet is to be married in two days rather than the two years they previously agreed on. Once again the Friar hatches a plan to help "Juliet and her Romeo" but a tragic sequence of errors means that the end of the play leaves Paris and the "star-crossed lovers" entombed together. Finally the "two foes" see sense and put an end to the "ancient grudge" and leave behind their legacy of violence and death-but both pay a high cost!

In this great tragedy the audience can see how the seemingly contradicting themes of death, passion, love and violence are in fact extremely similar as is the effect, which they have on human souls. These themes are covered in both scenes. In Act 3, Scene 1 physical violence is very central, however love is also shown. In Act 3, Scene 5 all of the themes are shown, this time in the claustrophobic family situation that the Capulets find themselves in.

Shakespeare's play is beautifully constructed and it is easy for the audience to realise that these two scenes are the major turning points of the play; love, passion, death and violence fuel the changes these scenes bring. Both are pivotal moments of the great love story and, after these scenes, the sorrowful fate of the lovers becomes clear. The audience understands why the lovers will have a reason to "take their life".

Act 3, Scene 1 opens with the friendly 'banter' between Benvolio and Mercutio. Mercutio is very quick witted and mocks Benvolio for his readiness to quarrel. He compares Benvolio to a man who will "quarrel with a man that hath a hair more or a hair less in his beard" than he. These comic remarks are returned by Benvolio when her says that if he were as "apt to quarrel" as Mercutio "any man should buy the fee-simple" of his life for "an hour and a quarter". This comment is almost a prophecy of later events when the "saucy" Tybalt kills Mercutio.

Upon the Capulet's fateful entrance Benvoilo is nervous. However Mercutio seems indifferent towards them. Tybalt tries to be polite asking for "a word" with them, however Mercutio twists his words and undermines his power, Mercutio tries to quarrel but when Romeo enters, Tybalt turns his attention to him. At this point Mercutio's demeanour changes and he seems protective of Romeo. Romeo doesn't reciprocate Tybalt's threats and instead tries to calm the situation.
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The passionate and violent Mercutio and Tybalt both despise Romeo's passivity and curse him for his "vile submission". Both Mercutio and Tybalt are proud and this leads to violence when they feel insulted or undermined as neither can suppress their anger. As the pair becomes more enraged at Romeo's appeasement they become more eager to fight and it is clear to the audience that this scene will end in tragedy, as the fiery men are too volatile and violent.

Romeo will not be drawn when Tybalt repeatedly threatens him. His love for Juliet controls his aggression and ...

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