Act 3 Scene 5 of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

Act 3 Scene 5 of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

Act III scene V is a pivotal scene in the play as within this one

scene there are changes in the atmosphere, the relationship between

the characters, and the characters themselves. At the beginning of

this scene Romeo is preparing to leave for Mantua, Shakespeare needs

to make the audience believe that Romeo and Juliet truly are in love,

as Romeo not long ago said he was in love with Rosaline. Their love

for each other can be shown in both the atmosphere and the way the

scene is performed by the actors. The atmosphere during the opening of

this scene is filled with excitement, risk but also sorrow. The young

couple are going against all wishes from their families, and are at

risk of being caught, but more importantly they know that they cannot

be together and that Romeo has to leave. Their relationship at this

stage in the play is based more on passion and excitement than true

love however the language used really makes the audience aware of how

strong their feelings are for each other. 'Wilt thou be gone? It is

not yet near day....' Juliet wants to spend as much time as possible

with Romeo.

As Romeo leaves the actress who plays Juliet should use body language

as well as the language to show how much she loves Romeo, and how she

does not want him to leave. Ways of doing this could be to keep

holding on to Romeo as he starts to get up and go, to keep eye contact

for as long as she can as he descends down the balcony. This then

appears to the audience that she is desperate for Romeo to stay.

However to ways of acting out their love could be portrayed in simple

action such a...

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...have done with thee.' I think

Lady Capulet should say this in a very formal way almost as if it is

what is expected by Capulet. Juliet now feels isolated and alone and

it is at this point she turns to nurse who she depends on.

'Well, thou hast comforted me marvelous much.' This should definitely

be said in a sarcastic tone, as Juliet cannot believe that nurse is

going against Romeo and agreeing with the idea of Paris.

Overall in this scene the moods and relationships have changed for the

worse. After Act 3 Scene 5 nothing goes well for anyone, however the

scenes between Romeo and Juliet make it less of a tragedy and more of

a love story as it is well known as. This love can only be shown

through close physical contact and language in which the audience can

connect with the couple and truly believe they are in love.