Shakespeare employs language tools and techniques to create a tense and exciting scene in Act 3 Scene 1 of ‘Romeo and Juliet’, as he showcases a fight scene in the streets of fair Verona, Italy. The fate of our ‘star crossed lovers’ takes a drastic turn for the worse when Tybalt and Mercutio meet their demise, despite the Prince’s prohibition of all fights. Therefore, Shakespeare effectively makes this scene tense and exciting for the audience.
The writer employs different literary devices, including similes and metaphors, to create a compelling scene that engenders suspense for readers. Moreover, Shakespeare deliberately constructs a progressively fearful atmosphere for the beloved characters, building up anxiety and prompting readers to follow the gripping story with a mounting sense of stress.
In the crowded marketplace of Verona on a hot day, Shakespeare sets the scene for an impatient young man to easily become hot-headed and lose his temper. The writer states, “I pray thee, good Mercutio, let’s retire: 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.” This portrays Benvolio’s wariness of the Capulets while also displaying his caution and alertness in anticipation of an inevitable fight. Both Benvolio and the readers now expect a violent fight scene, possibly resulting in the death of a character. Additionally, this phrase attributes part of the blame to mother nature for the future events that will unfold – “for now, these hot days, is the mad blood stirring.”
As they move forward, the confrontational Mercutio is expecting a forthcoming confrontation and thus avoids discussing the idea of leaving with Benvolio, opting instead to use sarcasm and irony to tease and taunt him. This definitely heightens the anxiety of the readers who are aware that a fight is bound to happen soon. At this juncture in the narrative, Mercutio declares that Benvolio’s ‘head is as filled with quarrels as an egg is filled with meat’. By employing a simile and comparing Benvolio’s mindset and desire for fighting to an object, a clearer mental image is created for the reader, who now concerns for both of our audacious and spirited characters.
Additionally, it provides our march with a significant boost that propels it vigorously uphill, instilling fear. At this moment, Tybalt and his companions arrive on the scene, arousing excitement in readers who anticipate an imminent confrontation. Quoting from the passage: ‘I will not yield to anyone’s enjoyment, I’. Shakespeare’s frequent use of the pronoun ‘I’ highlights Mercutio’s egocentric personality and limited perspective. This aligns perfectly with the conflict he is currently inciting by purposely irritating Tybalt.
