Examine Shakespeare's use of dramatic devices in Act 1 Scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet.

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TASK: Examine Shakespeare’s use of dramatic devices in

Act 1, Scene 5 of Romeo & Juliet

Romeo & Juliet is a story of love and hate with, a tragic ending. Act 1, Scene 5 is of particular significance, as it is where the romantic adventure between Romeo and Juliet starts, in contrast of hatred from both families.

This scene uses a lot of dramatic devices; Dramatic Devices are elements of the play, which allow the writer to build up tension or other effects. These effects influence the actor of the play and the response of the characters and audience.

Some examples of dramatic devices are; Varying the pace and atmosphere; developing characterisation through action and speech and the use of contrast.

Varying the pace helps the audience to understand the characters feelings. A slower pace shows calm, happy, hopeful and relaxed behaviour, but a faster pace tends to show anger, excitement and tension of the character, which rapidly leads to the creation of tension. The pace can also affect the mood of the atmosphere, for example; romantic, joyful or aggression. Shakespeare uses a lot of poetry and prose throughout the scene to indicate many facts about the characters personality and background. The speech of the characters develops throughout. Shakespeare’s use of simile, in contrasting people and objects can alert the audience to the characters emotions.

The first dramatic device used and introduced in Act 1, Scene 5 are from lines 1-14, as the servants create a fast paced atmosphere. They are used to bring on props and prepare the audience for the party scene. They are used only to entertain the audience. The words used are short, a lot of fast paced instructions and clear, direct and to the point. During their speech, the feeling is light-hearted, excitement for the party. It prepares the audience for the event to follow. An example of prose and humour used by the servants is,

“You are looked for and called for, asked for and sought for, in the great chamber.”

From lines 11-12, the servant uses light humour to entertain the audience, while the stage is being prepared for the following scene.

The second use of a dramatic device is right after the servants; As Capulet and Cousin Capulet enter. They greet their guests and reminisce about the times that they were once young. Capulet shows that he can be witty and humorous, this shows us how happy and cheerful he can be. His speech is spoken at a fast pace with short sentences, showing us his excitement and that he is busy and the stage is busy. This is also visible by him wanting others to dance, for example, Lines 18-19,

Join now!

“Will now deny to dance? She that makes dainty,

She I’ll swear hath corns. Am I come ye now?”

Meaning people would suggest women are infected and would be embarrassed and ignored by young men. The example shows a contrast being the young and old.

Capulet remembers his old days of wearing masks and attracting ladies by romantic stories. During his speech, he speeds up the party and the pace by adding music, making space for his guests to dance and expresses the humidity of the room. The party contrasts the old and young. He ...

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