Why is Act 3 Scene 1 such an important turning point in the play 'Romeo and Juliet'

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Why is Act 3 Scene 1 such an important turning point in the play ‘Romeo and Juliet’?

‘Romeo and Juliet’ was first published in 1597 and written by William Shakespeare when Elizabeth 1 was on the throne. At the time when it was published women’s parts were played by young boys between the ages of ten and thirteen because girls and women were not allowed to act on stage. ‘Romeo and Juliet’ may have been a romance if it were not for the events of Act 3 Scene 1. Romeo is from the Montague family and Juliet is fro, the Capulet family, both the families hate each other due to an ‘ancient grudge’. When Romeo goes to a party hosted by The Capulets, he gets spotted by Tybalt (Juliet’s cousin) who wants to fight but is held back by Lord Capulet. After Romeo and Juliet get married, Tybalt goes looking for Romeo but Romeo doesn’t want to fight. Mercutio (Romeo’s best friend) fights for him and is killed. Romeo, as a result kills Tybalt. Romeo’s punishment was only banishment because Tybalt started the fight. The banishment of Romeo causes himself, Juliet, Paris and Lady Montague to die. Act 3 Scene 1 is important because the play could have been a romance but turned into a tragedy however, it also causes the feud between the families to end as a result of their children’s deaths.

        As a result of the ‘ancient grudge’ between the Montagues and the Capulets, the play begins with a brawl. Benvolio tries to stop the fight which indicates he doesn’t like fighting and is a peacemaker. This is linked to Act 3 Scene 1 because he tries to stop Mercutio fighting Tybalt. To establish this, Benvolio says “I do but keep the peace.” We are also introduced to Tybalt at the start who says “What, drawn, and talk of peace? I hate the word as I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee.” This establishes that Tybalt hates the Montagues and loves to start fights with them. This links to Act 3 Scene 1 because he’s the one who started the fight with Romeo. When the Prince is introduced, after the fight, he says “If you ever disturb our streets again, your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peaces.” This is important because it links to Act 3 Scene 1 when Romeo is banished instead of executed. Romeo says “Here’s much to do with hate, but more with love.” This indicates that he can see that everybody just loves fighting and gives the impression that he can’t see the point. This contrasts with Act 3 Scene 1 because he ends up fighting Tybalt in anger and seeking revenge.

        At the start of the play Romeo is madly in love with Rosaline, but as far as the audience knows, they have never met. Romeo says “O heavy lightness” and “Still-waking sleep”, and by using these it shows how confused he is by his unspoken love for Rosaline. This is courtly love. This was a common type of courtship at this time.

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        The role of the women at the time of the play was written were very different from today. They were expected to stay at home and look after the family, while the man went out to earn a living. However, in addition it was common for noble marriages to be arranged as shown in ‘Romeo and Juliet’ by Paris’ request to marry Juliet. “My child is yet a stranger in the world; she hath not seen the change of fourteen years; Let two more summers wither in their pride ere we may think her ripe to be a bride.” Lord ...

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