How Does Shakespeare Make Act 3 Scene 1 Such an Intense and Significant Scene in the Play ‘Romeo and Juliet?’

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Essay- Romeo and Juliet How does Shakespeare make Act 3 Scene 1 such an intense and significant scene in the play ‘Romeo and Juliet?’ Shakespeare makes Act 3, Scene 1 from the play ‘Romeo and Juliet’ such an intense and significant scene through the use of contrast, dramatic irony and forshadowing. Shakespeare uses contrast through out this scene, which makes it such an intense and significant scene in the play. The previous scene, act 2 scene 6, was when Romeo and Juliet got married. The mood of the play suddenly shifts from a peaceful wedding ceremony to a violent scene with the death of two characters. This scene would be intense to watch as the mood suddenly shifts from love to hate. Shakespeare also uses contrast through Romeos character. At the beginning of the scene Romeo is calm, refusing to fight Tybalt and trying to prevent any fighting. ‘Put thy rapier up.’ After the death of Mercutio Romeo changes. He is now angry with Tybalt and wants revenge. ‘Fire-eyed fury be my conduct now.’ Romeos change in mood is significant as it leads to the death of Tybalt and Romeo being banished . Shakespeare also uses dramatic irony to make Act 3 Scene 1 such an intense and significant scene. When Romeo refuses to fight Tybalt all the other characters are confused as to why. ‘Good Capulet, which name I tender as dearly as my own.’ The audience know the reason why Romeo won’t fight Tybalt, which is because Romeo and Juliet are now married. ‘The reason that I have to love thee.’ The audience know that Romeo must love Tybalt because they are now related. The other characters did not know about the wedding and are confused by what Romeo is saying. The dramatic irony in this scene makes it such an intense scene to watch. It is also a significant scene because it leads to Mercutio fighting Tybalt and Mercutios death. Another way that Shakespeare makes Act 3
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