How Does Shakespeare Create Tension In Romeo And Juliet

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Fate, higher powers and religion, all key topics and ideas which can be seen throughout history and society. Themes that can simultaneously bring people together and tear nations apart. And tension, a key theme and technique during the play, provoking the audience's curiosity and creating interest and authenticity in relationships. The dangers and consequences of defying fate are displayed through tension present in human relationships in Romeo and Juliet(c.1595), a play written by William Shakespeare. Reinforcing Elizabethan societal ideals and provoking audiences to reflect on the importance of taking responsibility for your actions and learning to deal with the consequences of one's own decisions . This is demonstrated throughout the play not only by motifs of celestial imagery and biblical allusions but the tension between characters and their relations with each other, high powers and their roles in society. Characters are constantly seen trying to defy higher powers, whether it be authoritative figures, celestial beings, gods or fate itself, ultimately ending …show more content…

Fate and the presence of gods is a recurring theme during the play, displayed in the constant celestial imagery and constant allusions to gods. The first reference to fate is seen in the prologue, “ A pair of star-crossed lovers…” suggesting that their forthcoming death is the work of fate and that they were always destined to fail. This preys on Elizabethan audiences’ faith in God, provoking their sense of curiosity. The power of the stars and destiny are further reinforced by Romeo’s statement of “O, I am fortune's fool!”, references the foreshadowing of misfortune in the prologue and destiny, encouraging an Elizabethan viewer to reflect on the authority of the stars, God and the consequences of defying such a dominant unyielding