As in the rest of the play, we only really see one side to Tybalt, he is angry and hotheaded and resolves everything in violence. I think that his devotion to violence is the reason the feud was kept alive. I think that in this scene he is very angry and aggressive because Romeo was at the Capulet party.
Tybalt Capulet is Juliet's cousin and the Montague families arch enemy. He is never one to walk away from a fight even against his family's wishes. Unlike Mercutio he is a serious character and acts more maturely than some of the Montague characters. I think a reason he doesn't like Mercutio, apart from him being best friends with Romeo, is that he acts immaturely and turns everything into a joke (including his own death).
Benvolio, opposite kind of character to Tybalt, is a peacemaker and does not believe in violence, he is like this all through the play. I think Shakespeare may have chosen the name Benvolio because of the Latin word ‘bene’ meaning good. Benvolio is an honest character and we see this because he prince calls him to find out the truth about the brawls.
In this scene of the play a lot of different types of themes are used, for example love and hate. I think the way all the different types of themes are put together make the play a lot more interesting rather than just having the same theme over and over again. Themes are used in this play to convey things together and I think this is done very well. In this scene we can see that a hatred theme is developing even larger than before. We know there is hatred in this scene because that is the reason for the fighting. For example, Tybalt wanted to hurt Romeo because of the family feud and more recently he hates Romeo because Romeo invaded the Capulet’s party. I think that the type of hatred used crates a good atmosphere; this is because the reason of hatred and anger feels real, they are types of things that could occur in real life. Although I think there is mainly use of hatred in this scene, we can also scene some love, this is because, Romeo did not want to fight Tybalt because he loves Juliet so much and a fight would create a larger feud. And also Mercutio fought Tybalt because he likes his friend too much to get them both embarrassed.
The theme of the feud is represented when Tybalt enters. He is after Romeo, because the night before he gate crashed the party that was being held by the Capulet’s. Tybalt wanted to kill Romeo the night before at the party, but Juliet's father refused because he didn't want any trouble.
Mercutio, the joker that he is, started to tease Tybalt, "Here's my fiddlestick." Then When Romeo enters he is in a very happy mood, because of marriage. Nobody except the audience knows that Romeo has just got married to Juliet. This is why Romeo uses language like "The reason that I have to love thee" and "Good Capulet." As Romeo arrives Tybalt urges that Romeo fights with him, Romeo refuses to fight because they are now related because of Romeo and Juliet's secret marriage.
Mercutio feels betrayed by Romeo, indicated by his comment "O calm, dishonourable, vile submission.” so he takes up Romeo's fight with Tybalt. This is where the theme of tragedy develops. Romeo tries to stop the fight; Tybalt takes a cheap shot and kills Mercutio by stabbing him under Romeo's arm. Mercutio knows that he is going to die but he still carries on being humorous. A good example showing this is," You shall find me a grave man." Then Tybalt runs away in fear. When Mercutio dies Romeo is transformed into rage. Romeo is really angry and feeling guilty because he held back Mercutio. He runs after Tybalt for revenge. He forgets Juliet and kills Tybalt. Romeo shouts, " O, I am fortunes fool." This shows that he feels that he has no control of his life and that the thing that is controlling his life is fate. Fate and the Feud have taken over what he feels. It is too late until Romeo realises the consequences of his actions.
I think the way that Shakespeare shows the theme of the feud in this scene is by showing how deep the feud has gone. The feud hasn't just affected the families it has also gone far enough to involve everyone else. We know this because in the opening scene the servants from each family, the Capulet and the Montague’s, collided with each other and were not happy. The purpose of the opening scene is to show how influential the feud is.
The theme of tragedy is clear in this scene as two characters tragically die.
The theme of fate is expressed in this scene. Romeo feels he is not in control of his own life, he keeps mentioning a fate wheel, meaning he has not control. Shakespeare also uses the theme of speed in a dramatic way; the events speed up in this scene causing mistakes to be made.
There is a lot a dramatic power used in this scene. This is because there is a lot of action involved as well as signs of love and hate.
The dramatic purpose of this scene is to introduce that the families are bound together by an ancient blood feud that has grown to a lethal hatred. The scene does this through a measured introduction of characters that always gives the audience time to absorb who a particular character is, their personality, and their relationships to other characters.
On a story level, because this story is about a conflict between love and hate, introducing the hate that fuels the story's action also sets the story into motion.
This action packed scene happens the first instance of tragedy for the young lovers. Romeo is forced to deal with the reality of his marriage. He has married a Capulet—his lifetime enemy. He also chooses to avenge a friend's death rather than spare Juliet's sorrow. A dying Mercutio sets up the action for the rest of the play when he repeatedly says, "A plague o' both your houses!" This reminds the audience of the tragedy that will soon occur and this propels Romeo. Tybalt's inconvenient return drives Romeo mad, acting on emotion, to kill him. Romeo contrasts his earlier effort to avoid confrontation increasing the dramatic tension in the scene. He struggles with resisting the urge to fight and then acting on impulse.
This is the reason in the fight scene, why Romeo is so reluctant to fight Tybalt, as he is Juliet's Cousin. It is a central and vital scene in the plot as many events occur. After the death of Tybalt, and Mercutio, who is Romeo's friend and fellow Montague, Romeo is forced to leave Verona and flee to Mantua. From this scene onwards the plot thickens and events become increasingly tense. This scene has a vivid dramatic effect on the rest of the play.
During the opening of the scene the hot weather is discussed: "For now, these hot days in the mad blood stirring", Benvolio implies that the hot weather could lead tempers to fray, and fights to break. Another key-line in the scene: "And if we meet we shall not escape a brawl," from Benvolio, showing his worries that a fight will emerge, that he does not want, accidentally leading the audience to recall the Prince's announcement - although this is Shakespeare's intention. The two friends arguing set a light hearted atmosphere that is soon to change with Tybalt's entrance.
The arrival of Tybalt brings a lot of tension to the scene. Benvolio acts somewhat surprised, and evidently cautiously. Mercutio on the other hand is arrogant, and taunts Tybalt. It is apparent that Mercutio is acting very condescendingly toward Tybalt and is looking for a fight: "Make it a word and a blow." Tybalt also seems confident, but does not want to fight Mercutio, rather, he wants Romeo: "Mercutio, thou consortest with Romeo."
When Romeo enters his reaction confirms he doesn’t want a fight: "Well, peace be with you, sir, here comes my man," Tybalt referring to Romeo, verifying the fact that it is Romeo that Tybalt wants to fight. Tybalt is very cold towards Romeo, and wants to talk to him about the Capulet ball. Tybalt insults Romeo and calls him a villain. Romeo responds very calmly, saying that he has to love Tybalt, as Juliet is Tybalt's cousin, and tries to avoid conflict: "Therefore farewell, I see thou knowest me not." At this point Tybalt does not know about the marriage, between Romeo and Juliet, and so cannot understand Romeo's reluctance to fight. This is dramatic irony, as the audience has seen the marriage, and can see Tybalt's confusion, as they know something that Tybalt does not.
Tybalt insults Romeo again: "Boy," and uses the party as an excuse to fight: "Turn and draw." Romeo's dilemma causes him a great deal of discomfort during this scene. He does not want to fight Tybalt, Romeo's dialogue shows this: "And so, good Capulet, which name I tender as dearly as mine own, be satisfied." Romeo tries to sweet-talk Tybalt to diffuse the situation; whilst at the same time insinuates the fact that he loves a Capulet, the irony of the matter is that Romeo is referring to Juliet. This also is linked with Juliet's speech on the balcony, as regards to their names not stopping their love. "What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet." (Act 2, Scene 2). She refers to the fact that a rose would smell as sweet whatever word we use for it. This emphasizes how trivial it seems to fight over a name. Romeo now married to a Capulet, now holds this view. This explanation helps to view the scene as a turning point as it reinforces the fact that Romeo and Juliet's love may be the only thing that can break this age-old feud between the families.
Romeo's reluctance to fight is very apparent. The dramatic irony used by Shakespeare is very effective, as the audience knows two things that the characters do not. Firstly, Romeo is Tybalt's cousin, as he is married to Juliet, and also, that Tybalt is looking for a fight with Romeo, but as the scene progresses, Tybalt's dramatic flaw will lead to his own death.
In this scene Benvolio tells Mercutio and Tybalt not to fight in public, the effect that this has on the audience is one of trusting Benvolio as they realize something bad will be a result of the fight if it does take place. This shows Benvolio looks out for people and does not want to cause trouble.
A surprise for the audience during this scene is that Tybalt, in fact duels with Mercutio, which went against their prior knowledge that Tybalt was out for Romeo.
The audience then sees Mercutio insult Tybalt: "Tybalt, you rat catcher, will you walk?" This quote shows Mercutio ridiculing Tybalt's name, articulating upon the fact that Tybalt's name has resemblance to that of a cat, only then asking him to fight, an insult to which Tybalt replies: "What wouldst thou have with me?" Tybalt views Mercutio as a threat but would not like to admit it. As Tybalt is set out to fight Romeo, Tybalt has nothing against Mercutio, other than the fact that Mercutio is a Montague. Mercutio challenges Tybalt to a duel, which he accepts. Shakespeare's use of language adds tension and dramatic power to this particular scene. For example, when Mercutio challenges Tybalt: "Will you pluck your sword out of his pilcher by the ears? Make haste, lest mine be about your ears ere it be out." Shakespeare shows the audience that Mercutio is not scared of Tybalt, this is shown as Mercutio says that Tybalt had better draw his sword quickly otherwise he would cut off Tybalt's ears before the sword is out. This use of language, which plants fantastic imagery in the audience's mind helps to build up the tension in the scene. This is another factor, making this scene a turning point in the play.
The effect on Romeo is dramatic and evident, from rejection to shock; he turns his attention to Tybalt as he become increasingly furious about Mercutio's death. Romeo's realisation of what he has to do can be seen before Benvolio re-enters. The audience can see that Romeo is very troubled; he refers to "This day's black fate," which is linked to Romeo's tragic flaw, his belief in fate, and the medieval belief in 'fortune's wheel', Romeo being 'fortune's fool' which determines his bad luck. The audience sees Romeo's mood change dramatically as Mercutio is killed.
The audience sees Romeo blame Mercutio's death upon himself: "My very friend, hath got this mortal hurt in my behalf," Romeo also explains: "This day's black on more days doth depend". This shows that Romeo is implying that after this terrible day, darker ones will follow it, again reinforcing Romeo's ideas about the 'fortune's wheel', and his belief in fate – this shows great dramatic effect and power. Tybalt returns and the audience see Romeo mad: "And fire-eyed fury be my conduct now!" Here Shakespeare uses an image of fire to show Romeo's anger. Romeo, guided by his hot anger, tells Tybalt, Mercutio's soul is waiting above their heads for his. Shakespeare shows Tybalt's cheekiness of Romeo: "Thou wretched boy, that didn't consort him here, shalt with him hence." Tybalt is sentencing Romeo to death as he is saying Romeo must stay with Mercutio, so therefore has to die. Benvolio, appalled at Romeo, for killing Tybalt, warns Romeo to flee, as he knows the consequences of fighting. Shakespeare uses this to create tension in the scene, and between the characters.
Shakespeare shows the audience the role of family in society, this is good use of dramatic power. The two families, Capulet and Montague provide the conflict and tension, which is maybe the greatest cause of all the violence. Verona was an olden type city, where fathers, Capulet and Montague held virtually complete control over their daughters. They may give them to whomever they choose, and would have felt deeply insulted if their daughters chose to do otherwise. This is what Juliet did, by marrying Romeo. The cause of all the violence in the play may be because of men being self-centred and thinking they have all power. Offensive sexual jokes and sexist views are present throughout; the male dominant society could be responsible for all the tension. This creates great dramatic power.
The audience sees women treated as Assets, or property, owned by the men. In some ways Shakespeare highlights the simplicity of this society, with sexist ways and jokes.
Shakespeare also shows us the power of Princes in the play; princes are seen as all powerful. When Romeo murdered Tybalt, Benvolio was extremely concerned: "Romeo, away, be gone!" as disobeying the Prince is disobeying God, as a Prince is seen as God's representative on Earth. Benvolio told Romeo to flea, as he went against the Prince's rules, which were: "If ever you disturb our streets again your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace." Shakespeare shows the Prince's authority, with his very straightforward rules; if you are caught fighting, you shall be killed. Princes were highly regarded in Elizabethan times in places such as Verona. This is why Capulet, a very important figures in Verona wanted Juliet to marry Paris, a kinsman to the Prince.
The impact of dramatic power on the audience would have been very great; therefore they would become very involved in the play, and add to the electric atmosphere. Shakespeare shows us many intense scenes, for example Act 3, Scene 1, this scene is very exciting, and the fight scenes have a significant impact upon the audience. Romeo, who believed heavily in fate, would share his views with a lot of Shakespeare's audience, who would have believed in 'fate' and superstition, which linked to strange and dark events. This shows Shakespeare wrote his shows for specific target audiences, as this would have less relevance to a modern audience.
There are many factors that make a scene dramatically effective, such as, fighting, a convincing plot, romance and sex. Dramatic effect has a big effect on the readers. It helps to show how the drama makes you feel and how effective it is. Events in act 3 scene 1 are dramatically effective because they keep the audience in suspense and because there is a lot of dramatic tension, the audience are intrigued by this and this makes them anxious and restless to she what is going to happen next.
Events that happen in previous scenes, like the fight in act 1 scene 1 plus when Romeo goes to the Capulet party, may make the audience anxious and exited about what is going to happen next. We know that the trouble maker - Tybalt wants a fight, this is stated on page 43 lines 88-91 "Patience perforce with choler meeting. Makes my flesh tremble in their different greeting. I will withdraw, but this intrusion shall, now seeming sweet, convert to bitt'rest gall"
This shows the audience he wants a fight and wants revenge.
The atmosphere at the beginning of the scene is tense but there is a sense of jokiness that Mercutio's enables to create. Benvolio, on the other hand, is nervous about what might happen. Benvolio is a generally uneasy character and also shows a lot of care for Romeo, which shows the audience that he is a caring, friendly and sensitive character. However the mad Mercutio (although he also shows care for Romeo) is quite different, he's reckless and a joker, he shows that he likes to fight. This is a good combination because, the more arrogant Mercutio becomes the more Benvolio's nervousness increases. This makes the audience anxious for both of them.
When Tybalt arrives the audience is affected, making them feel uncomfortable, it may also be exiting because there isn't much doubt that there will be a fight. The arrival of Tybalt affects the characters in that scene because is makes it a tense environment. All the characters are worried because they know Tybalt means business. Mercutio's language increases the tension because he intimidates Tybalt and he provokes him. Page 93, lines 34-35 "And but one word with one of us? Couple it with something, make it a word and a blow."
When Romeo arrives on the scene it is exciting because as we know Romeo is the one Tybalt is after, all the attention turns on him. "Well, peace be with you, sir, here comes my man"- Page 93 lines 49.
The fact that Tybalt ignores Mercutio and turns to Romeo proves his intentions to fight Romeo are genuine and aren’t just a hoax to scare them. This creates a stressed atmosphere. Romeo has different intentions as he has just married Juliet, Tybalt's cousin. The last thing he wants is a fight between the two rival families, so on this note he tries to make peace with Tybalt, page 93 line 55-58 " Tybalt, the reason that I have to love thee, doth much excuse the appertaining rage, to such a greeting. Villain am I none; therefore farewell, I see thou knowest me not." This not only draws in the audience's attention but it also affects the characters in the scene. Romeo's friends are slightly shocked and confused as to why Romeo doesn't want to fight. On the other hand Tybalt doesn't like Romeo's actions he finds it slightly intimidating. He doesn't listen to what he is saying as he is too annoyed by Romeo turning up to the Capulet ball page 93 lines 59-60 "Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries that thou hast done me, therefore turn and draw." This tells us he is still angry.
From this point, the scene speeds up as the fight breaks out. This also has a tense dramatic effect. At this point I imagine that the audience would be feeling excited, nervous and a bit scared, this is dramatically effective because they would then be drawn in by the scene and would probably want to carry on reading the play and be more and more anxious.
There is a sudden break in the action when Mercutio is injured. This could make the audience even more excited to see whats going to happen next. The characters might be wondering what is going to happen next and they are probably feeling a bit foolish for getting into a fight, now that someone has been hurt, especially as they weren't sure if it was serious, and also fighting on the streets of Verona is band. We can sense the tension when Mercutio speaks. His language indicates that he is very angry and it shows that Romeo has hurt his feelings, page 95 line 82 "A plague a'both your houses!" We know Mercutio is injured but he tries to hide his pain, he also hides his anger by almost joking around, page 95 line 89 "Ask for me tomorrow and you shall find me a grave man." This is a pun, as 'grave' has two meanings, one being a grave where you are buried and grave can also mean serious. I think Shakespeare uses puns here to make light of the situation and to keep the audience interested as if it became too serious and depressing too early in the play, the audience may be upset or distracted and may not want to carry on with the play.
When Mercutio dies it may affect the audience because Tybalt, the trouble maker has got revenge by killing Romeo's best friend. As Tybalt is the ‘baddie’, the audience probably would not like this. Romeo is very upset at this point and extremely angry, so angry that he wants to kill Tybalt. His language at this point is very vengeful and full of hatred upon Tybalt, although at this point they are cousins.
The scene reaches a high point when Romeo kills Tybalt. It is obvious what Romeo thinks 'O, I am but fortunes fool' because he realises how in careful he had been, he now knows he will be in serious trouble and he is probably worried about what Juliet will say now that Romeo has killed her cousin, this leads to confusion. In this scene people have different opinions on what has happend. For example Benvolio says on lines 143-166 pages 99-100 "Tybalt, here slain, whom Romeo's hand did slay…" etc and Lady Capulet has a different point of view. These conflicting emotions create an uneasy atmosphere. The involvement of the Prince changes this atmosphere by making it more uncomfortable to read, as the audience knows Romeo might not be able to see Juliet anymore. When the Prince decides to banish Romeo, the audience may get sad as well as the characters in the play.
I think overall the things that help to make this scene great to read are, the amounts of dramatic irony, tension and emotion.
