How does Shakespeare capture the interest of the audience in the opening act of Romeo and Juliet?

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, opens with a scene fully packed with rousing action and bawdy jokes. In this scene, dramatic techniques and figurative language are utilised by the playwright while the audience are provided with an insight into the remainder of the play. Thus, these literary techniques provoke the audience’s emotions as their interest is fuelled. Several techniques by which Shakespeare captures the attention of the audience in the opening act of Romeo and Juliet include dramatic irony, foreshadowing and imagery.

Dramatic irony is a plot device adopted in the Shakespearean play’s opening act which contributes to the audience’s interest with elements of extra tension and suspense. An example of this in Romeo and Juliet is the Prologue that provides the audience with information about the tragic outcome in the play. The Chorus presents to the audience that, a pair of ill-fated lovers will resolve the long-standing feud between their families by ending their lives. Having the knowledge that Romeo and Juliet will die, the audience will watch the play with full at...