Shakespeare uses character interaction to create drama in act 3 scene 1. In the beginning of act 3 scene 1 Benvolio and Mercutio are having a mini argument this creates increased tension in the scene, which make the audience feel surprised as they are meant to be friends. When Tybalt arrives, Mercutio teases him. At this point the audience know that Mercutio is very agonistic so they will be feeling slightly in suspense as the do not know how Tybalt will react.
Shakespeare uses dramatic irony to enhance the drama in act 3 scene 1. In particular when Tybalt challenges Romeo to a duel, but because of his marriage to Juliet, Tybalt and Romeo are family. “Tybalt, the reason that I have to love thee doth much excuse the appertaining rage to such greeting: villain am I none; therefore farewell; I see thou know’st me not.” The effects of this is the audience know why he is refusing but the other characters do not which make the audience in suspense as they do not know what will happen.
Shakespeare uses specific language and speech in act3 scene 1. He uses the use of rhyming couplets adds to the drama in act 3 scene 1. “offence hence” “proceeding bleeding” “fine mine” “excuses abuses” “will kill” as it emphasizes the anger prince is feeling and the audience will feel the tension building up as the sounds of the rhyming couplets has a importance in the tone.
Shakespeare uses particular language to emphasize the interaction between Mercutio and Tybalt, as Mercutio enjoys winding Tybalt up he uses the insult of
Shakespeare use exists and entrance to increase the drama in act 3 scene 1 when Tybalt re-enters after Mercutio has died Romeo had said minutes before “this day’s black fate on more days doth depend; this but begins the woe, others must end.” The audience will be feeling shocked but in suspense. Also it is very dramatic after Tybalt is killed by Romeo. Romeo has just existed as the citizens arrive on the crime scene the audience would have felt the built up of tension, if Romeo had left a minute late he would have got caught.
Shakespeare uses weather to create additional drama to this scene, in the beginning of the scene “For now, these hot days, is the mad blood stirring” all the characters are feeling moody and angry due to the heat, this make the audience feeling a build up of tension as what come next could be unpredictable.
Shakespeare uses intonation which boosts the drama in act 3 scene 1, the use of the word “rat catcher” which is the insult Mercutio insulted Tybalt with. This insult was very effective as the sound of the word with the “ch” makes it sound more aggressive making the audience know he really means it. The alliteration at the beginning of each sentence creates additional drama”alive, in triumph! And Mercutio slain! Away to heaven, respective lenity, and fire-eyed fury be my conduct now!” it creates additional drama as it emphasizes the start of each sentence.
Shakespeare has used grammar and punctuation very effectively in act 3 scene 1 which has combined in creating drama in this scene. The use of short clauses to speed up a sentence “help me in to some house, Benvolio, or I shall faint. A plague o’ both your houses! They have made worms’ meat of me: I have it, and soundly too: your houses!” the short clauses creates speed in the text which makes the audience adrenaline rushing as they want to take in all the information and is happening so quick. The use of punctuation/pauses “Tybalt, my cousin! O my brother’s child! O prince! O cousin! Husband! O, the blood is spilt o my dear kinsman! Prince, as thou art true, for blood of ours, shed blood of Montague. O cousin, cousin!” the punctuation/pauses make the audience in a bit of suspense as it makes it slower.
Shakespeare uses characterization to enhance the scenes drama. As everyone knows Romeo is the lover not fighter but when Romeo challenges Tybalt after Tybalt kills his best friend Romeo is feeling angry and is in shock he then kills Tybalt with rage. This will make the audience feels very shocked as it is out of character to do a thing like that and very unpredictable also they could be feeling slightly tense as anything could happen next.
Shakespeare also uses surprise to keep the audience interested in the play when Mercutio is stabbed through Romeos arm only the audience and Mercutio realize at first but the audience would feel surprised as that wasn’t really meant to happen as Romeo was stopping the fight.
