shakespeare Romeo & Juliet analysis act 3 scene 5

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Shakespeare Coursework:                                                                

A close analysis of Act 3 Scene 5 – Romeo and Juliet

Introduction

Romeo and Juliet is a well-known play written by Shakespeare, which is based on two teenage “star cross lovers”. The play is believed to be written between 1591 and 1595, and now is an influence in the English literature.  Romeo and Juliet is now more existence in the modern days than before, and has inspired two directors to produce two versions of the film from the play, a older version from Franco Zeffirelli and the modern version Baz Luhrmann. Franco Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet was produced in 1968, and shows the more strictly side of the play. Franco Zeffirelli's version brings the audience back to that past. He shows that he can strictly follow the play and engage his audience even if it's not set in the present day. Whereas in the Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet, shows a more modernn side to the play. Baz Luhrmann’s film has the present feel. It has many modern aspects with guns, drugs and gangs. But it still has the same concept as the elder version of Romeo and Juliet. These two versions of the film show different elements of the play. Throughout the play, love is a vital role. But, love is diminished in act 3 scene 5 as Romeo leaves Juliet.

Act 3 scene 5 is a significant scene of this tragic play. One of the primary reasons for this is that the play is acknowledged to be a romance between two lovers, but in this scene Shakespeare has managed change that by introducing a love tragedy theme in the scene. Act 3 Scene 5 is a significant scene because it’s one of the vital parts of the play, that’s built with a variety of dramatic irony. It is one of the most dramatic intense scenes that are completed with selections of genres from love to hatred; the romantic tragedy genre really does clash together. Although the previous scenes had shown extreme twists, this scene relieves the audiences from the tension built throughout the play. The play was set in Verona in the Elizabethan Era, it was highly catholic society, and people respected their reputation. But on the other hand, during the play you would see how strictly the tradition really is, particularly if you disobey your parents. The romance is shown as the scene begins with Romeo and Juliet in bed; after they spent their first intimate night together. The romantic theme soon takes a turn for the worse as Romeo is departed from Juliet as he says; "Farewell, farewell! One kiss and I'll descend." (Line 41, Act 3 Scene 5) Romeo mentions that he must leave to go to Mantua, leaving Juliet crying in her sorrows. The moment that Romeo left, Lady Capulet enters the room considering she has good news to inform Juliet; as she says “But now I’ll tell thee joyful tidings, girl.” (Line 104, Act 3 Scene 5) “Marry, my child next Thursday morn.” (Line 112, Act 3 Scene 5) She stated that she has joyful news, and she wants Juliet to marry next Thursday morning. She then declares the gentlemen Juliet would be marrying is Paris as she says “The gallant, young, noble gentlemen, the county Paris” (Line 113, Act 3 Scene 5) However this may not be the good news for Juliet as she refuses the marriage by saying; “He shall not make me there a joyful bride”(Line 117, Act 3 Scene 5), by this she means he will not make her a happy bride. She then quoted “Ere he, that’s should be husband, comes to woo” (Line 119, Act 3 Scene 5) This shows that Juliet is astonished at the how fast the marriage is moving and is shocked that she is going to be married before her future husband’s even been to see her. Soon, the dark atmosphere in the scene kicks off with Lord Capulet , enters the room imposing Juliet to marry Paris , if she doesn’t correspond with the marriage then her place in her family would be condemned. As he advised Juliet; “An you be mine, I’ll give you to my friend. An you be not, hang, beg, starve, die in the streets, I’ll ne’er acknowledge thee, Nor what is mine shall never do thee good” (Line 192 - 195, Act 3 Scene 5) Once the argument has ended, Lord Capulet and Lady Capulet abandon’s the room, it leaves Juliet alone with the nurse. Juliet attempts to ask the nurse for advice by saying “Comfort me. Counsel me.” (Line 209, Act 3 Scene 5) but all the advice she could give was for Juliet to marry Paris. Juliet is astounded and has no choice but to agree with the advice, but she has to make choices ahead, so she thinks of another plan to see Romeo. 

Synopsis

 

   This is a brief summery of the scene:

The scene starts off with Romeo and Juliet in bed together, as they spent their first night together.

This is followed with an argument between Lady Capulet and Juliet, over Juliet marrying Paris.

Then Lord Capulet enters the room, showing his anger towards Juliet, this is what made the play so dramatic.

Finally the nurse enters the rooms to explain to Juliet that she should follow her parents’ desires and marry Paris. However Juliet doesn’t want to hear what the nurse has to say, as she thought she had a person that she can rely on, but can now see that she cannot do that.

The events that happened were Romeo and Juliet fell in love with each other during the dance, after one glimpse at each other they were in love. Then shortly after meeting each other, Romeo and Juliet decided to get married by Friar François. After the marriage, Romeo had a fight with Tybalt and defeated him. When Juliet found out she was shocked that her husband was a murderer. But she soon forgave him as you can see they spent their first night together in Act 3 Scene 5. Apart from that it shows the journey of what Juliet has to go through to fight for her love for Romeo, the romance expressed is very inspirational.

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Characters

      The characters that are feature in Act 3 Scene 5 are - the two star crossed lovers;         Romeo and Juliet, Lady Capulet (Juliet’s Mother), Lord Capulet (Juliet’s Father) and the nurse.

During the course of the play you will see the transformations occurring amongst the characters, and their relationships with one another. Throughout the previous scene the characters acted very compassionate with one and other. However, during this scene you would see how the characters all change dramatically, when you see the bitter side of lord Capulet coming ...

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