One of the most important parts of the play is the masquerade party, Act one, scene five. This is important to the structure of the play firstly because it is the first time the two lovers cross paths In this scene, Romeo joins a Capulet party and lays his eyes on Juliet for the very first time. They see each other; falling in love instantly, only to be shattered by the painful fact that their true love is someone they are forbidden to love. This entire scene sets the tone of the play.
Opposition between characters is common technique writers use to create tension in stories. In Romeo and Juliet, friction between different characters helps create heavy and dramatic tension. Shakespeare used this in the beginning of act one scene five through Sampson and Potpan’s argument. The tension rises in this scene, as the two servants argue while preparing for the Capulets’ feast. Sampson, one of the two servants, was complaining about the amount of work he was doing. He felt as if he was only doing hard labor. The other servant, Potpan replied angrily saying, “We cannot be here and there too Cheery boys, be brisk awhile, and longer liver take all”. Obviously, the argument arose and thus, tension was created. Similarly, tension is also greatly sensed in Tybalt and Lord Capulet’s dispute. The heated discussion began when Tybalt furiously noticed Romeo’s presence in the masquerade. He wanted to fight him but Lord Capulet stopped him. This angered Tybalt greatly but he had no choice but to follow Lord Capulet’s orders. The rage and annoyance was the cause of the tension created in this scene. This situation not only served as the provider of dramatic tension but also, in the scene another technique of Shakespeare is made obvious. This is the method of using irony to create a dramatic and striking tone. Irony is an expression or a result, which is the complete opposite of what is the expected. For example when Tybalt says “…but this intrusion now seeming sweet, convert to bitterest gall ” In this scene Tybalt chooses to leave Romeo alone but still promises to get back at Romeo. This is ironic because as you read you expect Tybalt to finally calm down but still ends up being infuriated and enraged. Also, the use of words, which have opposite meanings like “sweet” and “bitter” create irony. Evidently, the use of irony definitely sets a dramatic, and also a fairly violent tone for the scene.
Also, the way the entire scene is structured helps make the dramatic tension more detectable. Scenes take place in many different and distinct sections. The pace of the story increases because of the number of sections found in the scene. The scene starts with two servants’ arguments, and switches rapidly to the introduction of the Capulet feast. Also it is followed by Romeo’s entrance as he lays his eyes on Juliet, then, the lord and Tybalt’s dispute about Romeo’s presence quickly begins. After this the section is changed, Romeo and Juliet’s first meeting, which carefully leads to a kiss. And then, also very quickly the horrible truth about the family is revealed. All these moments happen in very distinct sections and because of the number of sections the plot thickens. This makes it more intriguing and dramatic. Another source of drama is the use of bawdy humor. This is seen in a line where Capulet tries to tease the ladies about dancing. “Will now deny to dance? She that makes dainty, she’ll swear hath corns”. Shakespeare uses this technique to continuously entertain the audience causing more curiosity to read more of the play. Also another source of tension is the fact that it is a masquerade. Masks are symbols of mystery and anonymity. Because of this, once again curiosity rises and so does tension.
In Romeo and Juliet’s first meeting the playwright uses a sonnet because it makes it more striking. It creates a dramatic tone, which is needed, in a romantic scene like this. Another way Shakespeare used
