The 16th century scene is still relevant today as it was then. The Romeo and Juliet situation n could be created by divided society e.g. people from opposite sides of a war, falling in love, for example Northern Ireland or Israel.
There is a sense of physical longing between the characters in the scene. Romeo and Juliet long for each other, there is a sexual tension running through the scene. This shown in their vows to each other: such as when Romeo asks he:” What shall I swear by?" And she replies:” Do not swear at all; or, if though wilt, swear by thy gracious self." Swearing by yourself was meant Juliet trusted Romeo very much. The vow guaranteed that they would both see each other again. Romeo’s observation: “O that I were a glove upon that Hand, That I might touch that cheek,”shows Romeo’s physical longing for Juliet. And his demand at the end of the scene: “O, wilt though leave me so unsatisfied?” followed by her reply: “What satisfaction canst though have to-night?” This is another example of the couple’s sexual tension.
There are many great contrasts in the scenes, the Balcony scene is very intense and romantic, which is contrasted with the bustling, lively scene in Act 1. Their show of love is very different from the fight scene at the beginning. The scene is very simple, in both layout, and focus of the audience, on Romeo, Juliet and the balcony. The Nurse’s voice is a simple tool which adds tension in the scene. Showing the powee that Juliet’s family has over her.
Juliets practicality shows through, throughout the scene. Romeo and Juliet could be found by Juliet’s kinsmen, as Juliet repeatedly warns Romeo of the danger of their situation. There is also the nurse’s voice which is calling for Juliet, so their dialogue should be hurried; this adds tension to the scene. Juliet cannot tear herself away from Romeo.
Shakespeare mastery of the english language, shows through in all his plays, in this scene it is the irony of what is said between the lovers, which fortells thtragedies which lie ahead. There are many signs that foreshadow the tragic outcome of their love, when Juliet describes their love as: “too like lightning,” Juliet is describing their situation, their love is too rash, and too unadvis’d, too sudden’, like lightning in a storm. The storm is like the feud between their families, and the lightning is a brief wondrous flash of light. This is an example of dramatic irony.
In the short space of time between the Acts some of the characters, develop and an evident change from Act 1 occurs, especially Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare also uses the dramatic device of introducing characters before they appear on stage. Romeo’s character is moody, unrealistic and fatalistic. Benvolio gives a first impression of Romeo, when he is in love with Rosaline. Benvolio tells Lord Capulet that Romeo was up before dawn, possibly up all night, and has been wondering the woods, seeking solitude. Lord Capulet adds more information, by complaining about his son’s recent behaviour; which Benvolio says, happens often, Romeo sighs and cries about his unrequited love and locks himself away in his chamber. The audience expect someone who is soft natured, a loner, subdued and miserable.
Juliet’s character is bright, appears to be obedient and realistic. Juliet on the other hand is very different from Romeo. She is not introduced before she is seen, but the other characters give an insight into her personality. In Act one Scene three, the nurse talks about Juliet when she was a baby: “To see it tetchy and fall out with dug.” The Nurse thought Juliet was a very determined baby. Lady Montague also tries to talk to Juliet about Paris, Juliet appears to be obedient: “I’ll look to like, if looking liking move. But no more deep will endart mine eye Than your consent gives strength to make it fly”. Juliet’s realistic outlook is evident when she warns Romeo of the Danger of being in the garden in the balcony scene. This also shows Romeo as unrealistic and a dreamer: she warns him - “The orchard walls are high and hard to climb, and the place death, considering who art thou art, if any of my kinsmen find thee here.” but he replies- “With love’s light wings did I o’erperch these walls: For stony limits cannot love out, And what love can do, that dares love attempt; Therefore thy kinsmen are no stop to me.” Romeo says love has given him wings and that Juliet’s kinsmen are no hindrance to him. Juliet’s practicality is shown is shown in her plan near the of act two scene two: “Thy purpose marriage, send me word tomorrow, By one that I’ll procure to come to thee”. Both characters develop further in the balcony scene.
Shakespeare has created the language of love by his use of imagery. His language is very poetic and romantic. This is very effective in expressing what the couple feel for each other, and helps create a mood of romance for the audience. Romeo express’ his love for Juliet very passionately: “ But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun ! Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon.” Romeo sees Juliet as a presence and vision of light in his life. Romeo is also afraid his meeting with Juliet has been only a dream: “O blessed, blessed nigh! I am afeared being in night, all this is but a dream, Too flattering-sweet to be substantial.This gives the audience an impression of the feeling he feels for Juliet. Juliet uses images of nature to describe their love: “ this bud of love, by summer’s ripening breath, May prove a beauteous flower when we next meet.” Her references to nature, tell the audience that their love is as natural as a season or a flower. It is innocent and beautiful like a flowering bud. She also uses the rose, a beautiful flower, to compare Romeo to: “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by an othername would smell as sweet ; So Romeo, were he not Romeo call’d Retain that dear perfection which he owes.” She also expresses how love has opened all her senses: “My ears have yet not drunk a hundred words.” Meanin g Romeos words are like wine to her, and her sense have been awakened by her love for him, for example the imagery of mouths, drinking etc.
The balcony scene is one of the most important, iconic and famous in the play; it is one of the rare romatic moments Romeo and Juliet have together. The scene represents so much, but performed in a traditional way, though it can be boring for the audience an deffective at the same time. Modern adapted versions are often better for example; Luhrman’s Romeo and Juliet, is fast paced, and keeps the audiences’ attention all the way through. The scene is effective, but was more so when it was first written.