Romeo and Juliet - Act III, Scene V

Romeo and Juliet - Act III, Scene V

Act III, Scene V of Romeo and Juliet is significant for it is the most

pivotal scene of this tragic play. Although prior scenes present extreme

circumstances, this scene reveals the results of past activities and begins a

series of tragic misunderstandings and fatal reactions. Transformations

occuring amongst characters and their relationships with one another and the

tone of the play are revealed in this scene. Through language, Shakespeare

presents these changes as well as foreshadowing the eventual tragedy Romeo and

Juliet's death. From this point on in the play there are no more comedic or

romantic scenes. The following scenes are of extreme actions, mishap and

tragedy. The "star-crossed lovers" cannot escape their fate.

One of the many transformations presented in this scene is that of Romeo

and Juliet's love for one another. Romeo and Juliet's love makes the transition

from infatuation to a deep and sincere love. In earlier scenes they used overly

romantic language and metaphor, whereas, now they speak to one another of their

love in a mature and tender way. They will do anything to be with one another,

for their love surpasses any emotion for their familial or community ties. They

are willing to make any sacrifice in order to have their desire for one another

fulfilled. Both Romeo and Juliet enjoy each other's company on their first

morning together following their marriage and they do not want to part.

Juliet's first visible transformation to adulthood is revealed here. In

Romeo's desire to be with Juliet, he is willing to risk capture, and most

probably death, in being found within the Capulet walls. Romeo, although

maturing in his feelings of love and intimacy is still young and reckless in his

behavior. In contrast, upon rationalizing the circumstance of daylight and

their being found, Juliet eventually pleads for Romeo to leave "O, now be gone!

More light and light it grows." (III, v, 35) To which Romeo responds, "More

light and light- more dark and dark our woes." (III, v, 36) The metaphors

associated with light (i.e. the sun, the moon, the day) which previously

protected their affair is now their enemy. Nature itself has turned upon them