How Does Shakespeare Create Tension In Romeo And Juliet

Shakespeare develops tension throughout Romeo and Juliet through different devices such as dramatic irony, juxtaposition and oxymorons. The tension developed by Shakespeare is apparent in Act 1 Scene 5, (when Romeo and Juliet meet at the masquerade ball) and in Act 3 Scene 1, (when a fight breaks out and both Tybalt and Mercutio are killed).

In Act 1 Scene 5 the theme of mutiny is evident, which we can see through Capulet's interaction with his nephew, Tybalt. Tybalt, who is always ready for a fight recognises Romeo’s voice and prepares to fight him, only to be reprimanded by his uncle. We can tell from the dialogue that Tybalt is a very aggressive and hasty character. This is perceptible where he says ‘Patience perforce with wilful choler

Tybalt’s humour was yellow bile which meant that he was prone to anger, hasty and proud. Tybalt’s line creates a sense of foreshadowing and lingering gloom because the audience at the time would know that Tybalt would die during the play. This is a prime example of when Shakespeare uses dramatic irony to build up tension in Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare also uses dramatic irony when Tybalt says ‘I will withdraw, but this intrusion shall, /Now seeming sweet, convert to bitt’rest gall.’ . Although he’s forced to accept Capulet's decision as the head of the family to allow Romeo to stay. Tybalt says he won’t back down that indicates that he will disregard Capulet's command, as he does in Act 2, Scene 4, when he challenges Romeo to a duel. The audience

Romeo initially describes Juliet as a source of light, like a star, against the darkness: "she doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night." Romeo no longer symbolises a Petrarchan lover, but has now experienced true love with Juliet. Romeo believes that he can now distinguish between the artificiality of his love for Rosaline and the genuine feelings Juliet inspires. Romeo acknowledges his love was blind, "Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night." Romeo's use of religious imagery from this point on — as when he describes Juliet as a holy shrine —shows his love for Juliet is deeper and more genuine than his artificial, overdramatic love for