The first violent scene I will discuss is Act 1 Scene1, which is the opening fight scene. The Scene begins with two servants from the house of Capulet out looking for trouble. They meet two servants from the house of Montague and a fight breaks out. Benvolio (House of Montague) tries to stop the fighting but Tybalt (House of Capulet) attacks him. Soon, The heads of the houses arrive and try to join in the fray but they are stopped by the arrival of the Prince of Verona.
This scene is important because it tells the audience a lot about the characters and the authority of the Prince. For example, the Princes’ speech, “By thee old Capulet, and Montague, Have thrice disturbed the quiet of our streets,” He tells Capulet and Montague that if anyone ever disturbs the peace again in this way they will be executed. This opening scene starts the play off with a violent atmosphere and this violent atmosphere continues throughout the play.
Now I will discuss Act 3 Scene 1, the scene in which Tybalt and Mercutio are killed. This scene begins when Tybalt and his companions approach Benvolio and Mercutio. Benvolio has already told Mercutio that they should go indoors as its very hot outside and the Capulets are around but Mercutio refuses. The Capulets are looking for Romeo but Mercutio looks for a fight, Benvolio urges caution. Then Romeo arrives on the scene. Tybalt insults Romeo, “ Romeo, the love I bear thee can afford no better term than this-thou art a villain.” – In an attempt to provoke a fight, but Romeo responds calmly and will not take up the challenge. Mercutio then challenges Tybalt and they fight, in the confusion, Tybalt stabs Mercutio. As Tybalt and his friends try to escape, they realise that Mercutio has been fatally injured, he dies almost immediately. As Romeo realises that Tybalt has killed his best friend, Tybalt returns, Romeo frenziedly attacks him and kills him. Romeo then escapes. In this scene we see a different side of Romeo. Romeo is usually very passionately romantic but in this scene we see him as still very passionate but very violent and crazed. This scene is important because the audience get to see a more exceptional side of Romeo, and from now on the play changes dramatically as this scene is followed by the Banishment of Romeo in the town of Verona.
Now I will discuss Act 3 Scene 5, this is the scene where Juliet refuses to marry Paris. Romeo is just preparing to leave to travel to Mantua. Juliet tries to persuade him to stay but then later realises he must go. The nurse warns them that Lady Capulet is coming and Romeo and Juliet say farewell, Romeo then leaves. Lady Capulet chats with Juliet, she turns to the question of marriage and tells Juliet to be prepared to be married in two days time. Juliet is horrified and refuses. Juliet’s father then enters unaware of what Juliet has just said to her mother. Lady Capulet tells him Juliet has refused to marry Paris, Capulet is amazed and questions her. When she refuses again Capulet loses his temper. Capulet tells Juliet that either she marries Paris on Thursday or he will disown her. Lady Capulet and Capulet leave and Juliet turns to the nurse for comfort. This scene shows how violent Capulet is, even to his family. He throws insults at Juliet and even says, “My fingers itch.” Expressing that he wants to take his anger out physically using his fists.
If I had to direct Act 3 Scene 5, I would use a modern setting. The stage would look like a room in a modern, upper class mansion. All modern day furniture and props. I think the audience would relate to the play more if it were a familiar environment to them. Also, when Lord Capulet says “my fingers itch”, he would then strike Juliet across the face and she would fall to the floor crying. But, I would also have Juliet stand up to Capulet, shout back at him, to show how strong both characters really are.
Over all I think this play is very violent. It has many violent scenes in which people are killed and injured. Violence, I would say, is one of the main themes of this play along with hatred and love. What I remember most about reading the play would be the Love. After all, the whole play revolves round the love of Romeo and Juliet. I think Romeo’s use of romantic language has a big effect on how to interpret his character. My favourite scene is Act 1 Scene 5, when Romeo and Juliet first meet. Although not a violent scene its very capturing, meaning it’s a scene which gets the audiences attention as it is a very romantic first meeting and a fairly important scene.
Shakespeare’s language is very complex but I still enjoyed reading this play.
