Shakespeare's Presentation of Act Three Scene One of Romeo and Juliet

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Shakespeare's Presentation of Act Three Scene One of Romeo and Juliet

“Romeo and Juliet” has always been one of Shakespeare’s most popular

plays since it was written back in the 1590’s. In this essay I’m going

to explore Shakespeare’s presentation of Act 3 Scene 1 as a turning

point in the play. Tension has been building up earlier in the Scene.

Tension has been built up at the very beginning of the play in Act one

Scene one where the two families were fighting. Also tension has been

built up in Act one Scene five where Tybalt recognised Romeo at the

masked party. He threatens to get even with Romeo but does not do it

until Act three Scene one.

In Act three Scene one it is obvious from the beginning that tension

is brewing because Benvolio one of the main characters, mentions that

it is a hot day.

“The day is hot,

the capels are abroad,

And if we meet, we shall not ‘scape a brawl,

For now these hot days, is the mad blood stirring.” Another reason why

there's tension is because the Capulets are looking for trouble, in

particular looking for Romeo because he turned up at the Capulet’s

masked party uninvited. Mercutio is in an awkward mood because Romeo

didn’t meet up with him after the party. Being Romeo’s best friend it

has upset him. Another reason was that Mercutio knew that Tybalt was

looking for Romeo and we also have been told that Tybalt is the best

sword-fighter in the country. Mercutio is presented as a joker earlier

in the play. For example on the way to the party he says, “Dreamers

often lie”. This also shows that he is very clever with words.

Benvolio is eager to leave the public place because he remembers the

princes’ words and because he is acting a peacemaker throughout the

play, telling the others what they are supposed to do.

Shakespeare presents Tybalt as hotheaded and aggressive. Whenever we

see him he is fighting or trying to provoke someone.

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