How does shakespeare use dramatic devices to make the play of romeo and juliet exciting

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How Does Shakespeare Use Dramatic Devices in Act 3 Scene 1 of Romeo and Juliet in Order to Make it such an Exciting Important Scene? 1st Draft!!!

Introduction

Shakespeare is renowned and his ancient legacy is continued, for his numerous Elizabethan plays, such was his prominence; his literature is still studied deeply across England in the modern times of today’s society. Romeo and Juliet is just one, of the many engaging plays he wrote.

The plot of Romeo and Juliet is quite unusual, as Shakespeare crams a story of which would realistically take a reasonable time to develop, he compiles it all into four days. At times through the play, it can be observed as a romantic sequel, however differentiating scenes containing violence and superstitions, portray the play as a thriller. The contrasting genres affect the content of the play, as the play can contain a warm romantic scene with an intimate couple, to a bloody, tense scene with feuds between two incompatible parties.

Immediately, when the audience perceive the title of the play, they expect and prepare to watch a play of great romance and love, thanks to the contrasting genres of the play, the audience are intrigued and interested as they find out how the play develops from romantic scenes, to scenes consisting of violence.

Shakespeare has chosen distinct themes for the play. One of these themes is “love” obviously this pertains to the title of the play. Another theme is “hate”. This is a significant contrast to the first mentioned theme, these two contrasting themes, act as a catalyst of interest. “Fate” and “death”: Back in the Elizabethan era, superstitions, which craft etc where prominent in society, therefore the 15th century audience would have been superstitious. When the audience watch Romeo and Juliet, they discover that the whole play is littered with such foreboding references. Act 3 is a vital element of the play.

To begin the play, Shakespeare informs the audience with a prologue. This is an unusual device, as Shakespeare is basically telling the audience what is going to happen in the forthcoming play. Within the prologue, Shakespeare has several references to “love”. “The fearful passage of their death – mar’kd love” The several hints of Love, gives a slight indication of what is to come in forthcoming events. “Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean” This is a reference to violence. Here we observe the first of the two themes “love” and “hate” clashing together. This creates interest, as the audience begin to feel slightly tense, about the words of the prologue. One main factor, we observe from the prologue, is that it is written in a sonnet form. Sonnets are usually associated with romance and love. Shakespeare cleverly uses this tool, to challenge the audience’s expectations of the play, creating an early opportunity for the audience to begin anticipating forthcoming events.

In the prologue, “pairs” are repeated. “Two households both alike in dignity” “From forth the fatal loins of these two foes, A pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life” The repetition of them emphasises their importance to the prologue. Because the audience have no knowledge of why they are being repeated, they unconsciously link them to the title of the play: Romeo and Juliet. This makes the play exciting and interesting, as the lack of knowledge is enticing them to think for themselves.

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The information from the prologue sets the scene and prepares the audience for the remainder of the play.

In the opening scene of Act 3 Scene I. Benvolio and Mercutio are walking the public streets of Verona. Benvolio expresses his concerns and doubts about the day to Mercutio. “ I pray thee good Mercutio, lets retire: the day is hot, the Capulets abroad, and if we meet we shall not scape a brawl; for now, these hot days, is the mad blood stirring stirring”.

The audience observe Benvolio’s concerns, this creates a tense atmosphere within the audience as ...

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