Through-out Shakespeare’s play of Romeo and Juliet conflict is highlighted as one of the main themes which contribute abundantly towards the plot and towards the personas of the characters themselves. Therefore, it is central to the narrative of the play. The theme is also continuously expressed to emphasise just how significantly conflict influences the consequence of each scene. In act 3 scene 1 the additional ferocity and murders manipulate the rest of the plot and in doing so this scene is exposed as the climax& turning point of the entire play. Moreover the brutality and carnage bared in this scene divulges to the audience the extreme extent of the enmity between the Montagues and Capulets. This ancient grudge as described in the prologue is believed by many to be a direct referral to the on-going disputes between the Roman Catholic & Protestants during the period that the play was written. Others assume that the play was based on a real Italian love story from the third century. However these two theories are perchance the solitary judgements in common between the audience and society of the Elizabethan era to that of today. For instance, the amount of blood shed through the duration of the play and in particular act 3 scene 1would impels the audiences of today to react in a perturbed and disturbed manner. However the response of the spectators in the Elizabethan times would be gratification and applause. The justification for this is that during the 16th century, public hangings and bear baiting were common practises and the people of that society relished viewing such events. This difference in reaction to violence and conflict illustrates how society has evolved amid the Elizabethan period till the 21st century. In this particular scene (Act 3 scene 1) Shakespeare uses a range of dramatic devices to present the discussed theme. Techniques such as: puns, use of language, dramatic irony and the role of fate and destiny are all in cooperated within the dialogue of the characters to portray the theme of conflict.
At the beginning of the scene the use of language chosen by Shakespeare creates a faint atmosphere of tension .Although this is soon displaced by comedy, the feeling of anxiety still lingers and gradually builds in the background as the scene progresses. This tone of apprehension is depicted to us through the spoken words of Benvolio:
“I Pray thee good Mercutio lets retire the day is hot, the Capulets abroad, and if we meet we shall not scape a brawl”
This undeniably shows that Benvolio is apprehensive from the beginning of the scene. The tension initially surprise the audience as in the previous scene they had just witnessed the wedding of Romeo and Juliet .Therefore the instantaneous shift of atmosphere from joy to anxiety startles the audience as the pleasure of the wedding is still fresh in their minds. The audience are also affected by the fact that Benvolio is trying to persuade Mercutio to leave in case of conflict. The word ‘escape’ suggests that fighting is something to fear and flee from for Benvolio. This gives the viewers the impression he prefers peace prompting us to trust his character. This understanding would have been the same with the audiences of the past and the present however, although this is the case, viewers of the past would want Mercutio to deny Benvolio’s request as they would encourage the violence if it were to come. Furthermore the tense nervous atmosphere is first established by Shakespeare when Benvolio states that the day is hot implying that people will get easily aggravated and provoked as in this context they are words all associated in the lexical field of ‘hot’. Also, this may be a reference by Shakespeare that the stars above influence our behaviour, once again merging the theme of fate and destiny that was very common in the 16th century.
As mentioned before the initial tension is soon displaced by comedy at the beginning of act 3 scene 1. This is done through Mercutio’s banter and playful use of comedic puns. When Benvolio suggests that they leave in case of a brawl Mercutio responds by accusing Benvolio of being the most quarrelsome.
“Thou wilt quarrel with a man that hath a hair less, in his beard, than thou hast.”
By stating such an allegation Mercutio established a comedic tone to the scene. The reason for this is that the statement itself to so ridiculous that the audience laugh at how frivolous it is. Therefore, this pun used by Mercutio amongst others gives the impression that he is immature and confrontational as teasing and joking around reveals him as a mischievous and carefree character. This consequently strengthens the audience’s previous conceptions of Benvolio’s persona as he does not retaliate to Mercutio’s banter in an aggressive or sensitive way. Instead he goes along with Mercutio’s indictment proving their close bond of friendship. This adds superfluous humour to the use of puns as it introduces dramatic irony to the scene through the obvious that Mercutio’s allegations evidently do not apply to Benvolio but instead apply to Mercutio himself. Therefore, Mercutio’s seemingly oblivious attitude to his own use of dramatic irony generates additional humour. However, as mentioned previously the levels of humour generated depend on when and who is viewing the play as the whole concept of what is comic and what isn’t has altered dramatically through time. Mercutio’s flippant and mindless attitude is still present in the scene at the arrival of Tybalt and the Capulets. This is revealed through Mercutio’s response when Tybalt addresses him :
“Tybalt: Mercutio. Thou consort’st with Romeo.
Mercutio: Consort! What, dost thou make us minstrels?”
Here, Shakespeare’s clever use of language is shown through Mercutio’s dialogue as he manipulates the word consort into a pun, therefore the atmosphere of comedy is still present. However, the words minstrel and conflict are not used as common vocabulary in the 21st century hence audiences today would not recognize the humorous concept. Furthermore, viewers of the 16th century would still react to this pun differently as the puns before were directed towards Benvolio who is an ally where-as the play with words now are aimed towards Tybalt who is a foe. As a result of this the audience understand Mercutio’s present mischievous attitude to be provocative towards Tybalt and so expect the anticipated conflict to unfold.
. At this point, the fact that Tybalt does not respond with witticism but instead is serious and gets straight to the point implies that his persona is antithesis to that of Mercutio’s who is a joker.
The initial tension familiarised at the beginning of the scene by Benvolio is bought forward later by the arrival Romeo in act 3 scene 1. His actions and dialogue on stage build up the tension rapidly as he acts in a way which the other characters do not anticipate.
Tybalt: Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries that thou hast done me; therefore turn and draw.
Romeo: I do protest I never injured thee, but love thee better than thou canst devise, till thou shalt know the reason for my love: and so good Capulet, which name I tender as dearly as my own, be satisfied.
This instantly established the change of tone from comedy to tension as Romeo instead of accepting a duel converses about love. The characters find this surprising as Tybalt and Romeo are enemies and so they are puzzled as to why Romeo is acting in such a way. By first introducing Tybalt and then Romeo to the scene Shakespeare uses the entrance of his characters as a way to alter the atmosphere as Tybalt’s harsh words when Romeo arrives verifies the change from comedy to concern. Tybalt’s use of language further sets the ambiance of tension as he uses lexis such as ‘boy’ as an abusive term suggesting that Romeo is a servant and in turn attempting to provoke conflict. It is also clear that Tybalt wants to fight Romeo as he uses words associated in the lexical field of battle (turn & draw) which implies as such. The reason for this is that during the 16th century family honour was highly thought of through-out society and so if it is disgraced it must be revenged. However the juxtaposition between Tybalt’s words to that of Romeo’s infuriates Tybalt as he expects Romeo to react aggressively. By refusing to turn and draw Romeo is in a way dishonouring his own family and the Capulets even more; going against how society would work. This builds up the uneasiness as the more exasperated Tybalt becomes the more likely it is that a fight will occur. Although the characters in the scene are puzzled by Romeo’s words the audience are aware of the reasons for Romeo’s profound love as they had witnessed his wedding to Juliet in the previous scene. Therefore the tension felt by the two parties differs as the viewers are concerned as to how the other characters will re-act whereas Mercutio and Tybalt feel anxious about the reason for Romeo’s attitude. This is an alternative creative use of dramatic irony by Shakespeare as the audience have a different perception of the implications behind Romeo’s dialogue then the characters themselves as a result of the viewer’s having greater knowledge from the earlier scenes as well as the prologue.
Following the conversation between Tybalt and Romeo the anticipated brawl does indeed take place when Mercutio outraged with Romeo’s behaviour fights Tybalt himself seeking to gain back dignity for his friend’s family . However this leads to his fatal death which concludes to be a pivotal moment to the entire play.
“Mercutio: Ask for me to-morrow, and you shall find me a grave man………A plague o’ both your houses”
Mercutio’s use of language as he dies plays a huge part when causing emotion and feeling on the viewer. He elucidates that tomorrow he shall be found a ‘grave man’. This pun alarms the viewer as they grasp the meaning Mercutio intends behind the word ‘grave’. By doing this Shakespeare compels the audience to yet again relate to the events described in the prologue. Furthermore, this use of pun reinforces the audience’s knowledge of Mercutio’s strong persona. However, this pun is much more solemn as Mercutio uses it too express his death and so it illustrates his sinister side. This is something not seen before and therefore, it distresses the audience. Also, the fact that he is still using puns even as he is dying implies that he wants to his last words to be remembered as being comedic and using irony at the time of death is not something that is common and again , shocking the viewer. However, this is a clever technique used by Shakespeare as it means that the ‘ plague o’ both your houses’ which Mercutio speaks of also stays firm within the audience’s minds. The plague or curse would especially affect audiences of the past it brings in the underlying theme of fate which the Elizabethan society highly believed in. Therefore, they would come to the conclusion that this plague set by Mercutio would affect the rest of the play dramatically and so act as one of the vital moments in the scene . The reason behind Mercutio’s curse is soon revealed when he speaks his last words directed at Romeo. This also affects the play in a massive way as it leads to yet another pivotal moment.
“Why the devil come you between us? I was hurt under your arm.”
By showing hostility towards Romeo it is clear that Mercutio blames him for his death. These harsh words spoken by Mercutio not only affect the veiwer who are shocked to hear someone speak of an ally in such a way but also affect Romeo himself. Who goes on to say :
“Now, Tybalt, take the villain back again that late thou gavest me; for Mercutio's soul is but a little way above our heads, Staying for thine to keep him company. Either thou or I, or both, must go with him.”
It is clear from Romeo’s words that he too blames himself for his friend’s death asking Tybalt to take back the status of ‘villain’, and blames his marriage to Juliet for making him “effeminate” and weak. Therefore, as an act of revenge he seeks to murder Tybalt. This shocks the audience as they had not expected two deaths to take place also, Romeo’s character until now had been calm and almost womanly and therefore his change of mood and the change of atmosphere to that of conflict which now comes to a climax implies significance to the specific moment in the play.
As explained , Fate is highlighted as an undertone theme through-out Act 3 scene 1. It is especially emphasised through Romeo’s words after he has slain Tybalt.
“O, I am fortune’s fool!”
Here Romeo is referring to his lack of luck suggesting that fortune has made a fool of him. By saying this it implies that unlike Mercutio, Romeo blames the forces of fate and destiny for the fatal deaths which have occurred. This sentence also refers back to earlier in the play after Mercutio’s death when Romeo had stated,
“This day’s black fate on more days doth depend; this but begins the woe, others must end.”
This once again trigger’s the audiences understanding of fate and how it contributes towards the scene as it suggests that each event incident was inevitable and destined to take place. Furthermore, from Romeo’s words the audience are also reminded of “the star crossed-lovers” described in the prologue and so come to the conclusion that the fated happenings which have occurred in this scene result to the star crossed lovers taking their lives. Here the theme of conflict is bought forward as star crossed is a reference to those who cross or fight against their fate. This understanding of fate and and destiny differs as during the time of Shakespeare society did indeed blame everything as a result of fate and destiny often referring it to be on a wheel of fortune ;your fate depending on where you were placed on the wheel. Therefore, this idea that two young lover’s fates were crossed excites he audience of the 16th century as it reinforces their beliefs and expectations. Viewers of today however no longer accept that fate is the cause behind events and happenings and so do not grasp the real meaning behind this underlying theme that Shakespeare adequately highlights through-out the play.
It is clear from the incidents that have occurred through-out the scene that the play has now shifted in tone to that of tragedy. The results of Mercutio and Tybalts deaths leads to the Prince banishing Romeo from the kingdom and in turn proves the foretold destinies of Romeo and Juliet.
“PRINCE: And for that offence immediately we do exile him hence………………………… Let Romeo hence in haste, else, when he is found, that hour is his last.”
The audience now confirm the prologue to be true as they realise that the only way to resolve the fatal chain of events that have occurred is through the deaths of both Romeo and Juliet as it is the only way that the two lovers can be together. Once again, the theme of conflict is also bought forward as it is the brawl with Tybalt that has lead to this. Also, Romeo’s banishment resolves to the 16th century viewers that he is indeed fortune’s fool as one fated event has lead to another. Therefore, the viewers now await the deaths to take place, ending the scene with a tense and forlorn atmosphere.
In conclusion, Act 3 scene one plays a critical role in Romeo and Juliet as it establishes the crucial moments in which the play gradually changes from comedy to tragedy and in doing so shapes the outline for the rest of the plot .Shakespeare uses the theme of conflict to portray this as it causes the audience to react in a way in which they had not done in previous scenes. This is done through the dramatic devices used by Shakespeare such as puns and dramatic irony through the words of Mercutio, the atmosphere conversions of tension and comedy and the role of fate and destiny which are blamed for the chain of fatal events that occur, in turn leading the audience to come to conclusions about what they had heard previously in the prologue. Although this reaction in the viewers differs depending on the society and the time that the play is being watched, the techniques and the theme of conflict Shakespeare used still undoubtedly proves to be a vital role when causing the audience to react and in doing so marking this scene as a significant point of the entire play. This is confirmed by the fact that the societies today even now regard Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare as the most tragic love story of all time.
