Drama and Tension in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

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Drama and Tension in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet In 'Romeo and Juliet' drama and tension is presented throughout. In the prologue we are warned about death and misery. Shakespeare uses traditional old Elizabethan English and metaphoric language to build up tension. Shakespeare also uses dramatic pauses and action between characters to increase tension. The storyline between feuding also builds on the tension. A powerful example of drama and tension is shown in Act 3 scene 1. In the scene Mercutio and Benvolio are lazying about when the capulets come, with Tybalt approaching towards them. Tybalt asks 'Mercutio thou consort'st with Romeo?' Mercutio reacts with shooting rage, 'Consort! what dost thou make us minstrels ?' At this Mercutio reacts with more rage and saysthat ' I will not budge for no mans pleasure, i' At this point Romeo comes into the scene. Shakespeare using dramatic irony as the audience knows that Romeo has just married Juliet. Romeo is confronted with Tybalt, who wants to fight him because he 'gate crashed' the party. Tybalt shows his rage by calling him a villain. Romeo cannot hurt one of his family, he is forced to surpress his rage. Tybalt although is very angry with Romeo for 'gate crashing' the party. Romeo explains to Tybalt that 'Good Capulet- which name i tender as my own; be satisfied.' Mercutio is angered by Tybalt and challenges him to a duel. Mercutio Mocks him as 'rat-catcher,' and ' Good king of cats,' Tybalt reacts saying 'i am for you.' At the sight of the two of them fighting Romeo tries to stop them fighting, in that moment Tybalt stabs Mercutio under Romeo's arm. Mercutio reacts, shouting 'A plague on both your houses.' To show his courage he hides his true emotion from everyone saying 'A scratch, a scratch.' Romeo reassures Mercutio 'Courage man, the hurt cannot be much.' Mercutio explains that he will die and that the feuding between the houses has caused his demise. Romeo at this point feels full extent of guilt and responsibility for

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