How does Shakespeare use the dramatic device of character Essay Example

significance in the story of Romeo and Juliet. It is a remarkable scene as it transitions from light-hearted comedy to tragic events following the death of Mercutio. This transformation is evident through the use of language and the portrayal of characters, particularly Romeo who becomes increasingly aggressive, displaying his deep-seated animosity towards the Capulet family.

Romeo and Juliet is ultimately a tragic love story. Romeo attends a party one night and instantly meets Juliet, and they fall in love deeply. However, their families, the Capulets and Montagues, are sworn enemies. Nevertheless, Romeo and Juliet decide to secretly marry because of their intense passion and love for each other. In my opinion, they are the greatest lovers ever. If I were as lucky as Romeo, I would have no further wishes from God. Unfortunately, they are referred to as "star-crossed lovers," and Act 3 Scene 1 illustrates the barriers that prevent them from being together. The line "From forth the fatal loins of these two foes, a pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life" emphasizes their destined tragic fate to the audience.

In the vibrant city of Verona, Italy, known for its wealth and beauty, lies the setting for the story. This city's lively culture and breathtaking landscapes contribute to the passion and romance experienced by the "star-crossed lovers." True love resides within this fruitful and colorful place.

Italy, known for its romantic ambiance, serves as the ideal backdrop for the narrative. The scorching heat prevalent in Italy plays a significant role in creating tension and exerting a profound influence on the characters. Shakespeare deliberately selects this weather condition to induce fatigue and heightened susceptibility to provocation among the

characters. For instance, 'Tybalt' becomes more prone to instigate conflicts due to the enervating heat. By situating the scene in a public space, Shakespeare aims to depict how the feud between two noble families leads to dire consequences and affects society's perception of morality. Ultimately, this enlightening experience serves as a valuable lesson for all those involved.

In the streets of Verona, Benvolio and Mercutio are seen. Benvolio urges Mercutio to go inside, saying, "I beg you, good Mercutio, let's go back; it's hot outside and the Capulets are around. If we meet them, there will definitely be a fight." This indicates that Benvolio wants them to find shelter indoors because of the heat and the presence of the Capulets since encountering them would surely result in conflict. The use of weather to depict a scorching and intense atmosphere possibly highlights the contrast between the climate and the impending violence.

In this scene of the play, Benvolio attempts to calm the fighting by urging Mercutio to leave the area and avoid getting into an argument with Tybalt. Benvolio's name, meaning ''I wish well,'' reflects his peaceful nature, which contrasts with Mercutio's more aggressive character.

Mercutio's name signifies a man of 'sudden violence extremes'. His overall outlook on life is filled with a penchant for combat, through both verbal and physical means, showcased through his remarkable imagination. Each statement about Benvolio actually applies to Mercutio himself. He possesses the same fiery disposition as any passionate Italian. Viewing the encounter with the Capulets as an opportunity to display his sharp wit, he disregards any worry about Tybalt with the declaration 'By my heel, I care not'. This reveals that he

is unconcerned and confident in his ability to defend himself.

Mercutio, a brave young Montague, appears to be in trouble and confronts Tybalt by saying, "don't be a coward, have more than just words, hit me 'blow' as I can handle it." He challenges Tybalt to engage in more than just verbal exchange, suggesting that they combine their words with physical action. Mercutio's loyalty towards Romeo empowers him with the courage and determination to face whatever insults Tybalt throws at him. Mercutio's aggression becomes evident as he unsheathes his sword, declaring, "Here's my fiddlestick. Here's that shall make you dance. Zounds, 'consort'!" In this humorous remark, Mercutio uses a pun to imply that his sword will make Tybalt dance. This comedic moment serves to entertain the Elizabethan audience and highlights the contrast between violence and amusement within the play.

Mercutio enjoys fighting and proclaims to Tybalt that he is indifferent to any onlookers: "Men's eyes were made to look and let them gaze. I will not budge for no man's pleasure, I." He believes he is impressive and challenges Tybalt in a verbal confrontation by asserting that men's eyes were created to observe, so they should be allowed to watch. He refuses to yield to anyone's satisfaction. He is referring to the audience, stating, "I will fight you and let them look at us, to witness who will come out victorious."

Tybalt has arrived to challenge Romeo and kill him. He does not want to fight with Mercutio, but Mercutio is eager to confront him, whether it be through a verbal duel or a physical one. Therefore, when Romeo approaches, Tybalt becomes extremely angry. He labels Romeo as

a villain, to which Romeo responds with love because he knows they will soon be family. This only fuels Tybalt's fury, but Romeo refuses to retaliate and instead refers to him as a "Good Capulet."

Romeo protests that he has never injured Tybalt and loves him more than he knows. He wishes for Tybalt to be satisfied with this explanation. However, Tybalt is clearly annoyed by Romeo's reasoning and refuses to listen. He states that Romeo's newfound reasoning does not excuse any of his past actions and demands that he turn and draw his sword. Despite this, Romeo continues to protest, maintaining that he has never harmed Tybalt and would never fight against someone with the Capulet name, which he cherishes as much as his own name.

It is up to Mercutio to engage in the fight. He approaches Tybalt and insults him, calling him a ratcatcher. He asks Tybalt if he wants to fight, which infuriates Tybalt. However, Tybalt manages to control his anger. Mercutio then challenges him further, suggesting that he should unsheath his sword quickly or else Mercutio will attack him first. This only angers Tybalt even more. In the scorching heat of Italy, Tybalt responds by expressing his willingness to fight Mercutio, showing that he is eager to fight any Montague.

The fight begins and Romeo addresses his cousin Mercutio, saying 'Gentlemen, for shame! Forbear this outrage. Tybalt, Mercutio! The Prince has explicitly forbidden brawling in Verona.' Benvolio intervenes, urging the men to cease this dishonorable fight. Tybalt and Mercutio, remember that the Prince has prohibited street fighting in Verona. Halt. Meanwhile, Romeo tries to end the altercation, but Tybalt stabs Mercutio beneath Romeo's

arm, resulting in Mercutio's death. Mercutio declares 'A plague o' both your houses!' This incident illustrates verbal aggression; I am done for.

The consequence of Romeo's actions, in which he kills Tybalt, is only misfortune. Romeo quickly realizes his mistake and knows that he will be banished from Verona by the Prince. This overwhelms him and he cries out in pain, exclaiming "O I am fortunes fool." Additionally, Mercutio curses the two families for their years of fighting. Shakespeare uses characters like Mercutio to depict an atmosphere of hate and violence, while contrasting with Benvoilo's naivety.

In Act 3 and Scene 1, Tybalt, a Capulet, is portrayed as a formidable and authoritarian figure. He demands unquestioning obedience from others and responds to any provocation with aggression. He thrives in situations of conflict and is quick to resort to violence. He lives and dies by the sword, symbolizing his dedication to violence. In this scene, Tybalt seeks to initiate a fight with Romeo simply because he attended a party. He believes that Romeo's actions have caused him physical harm and declares, "Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries that thou hast done me. Therefore turn and draw." This statement highlights Tybalt's inclination towards violence and emphasizes the aggressive nature of his character.

Tybalt fatally wounds Mercutio, moments before delivering a message to Romeo: "You, wretched boy, who associated with him here, will go with him from this place." Tybalt is essentially telling Romeo that he is a despicable, dreadful individual for spending time with Mercutio, and that Romeo will ultimately meet the same fate as Mercutio – heaven awaits him. This instance exemplifies how Shakespeare utilizes Tybalt's character to

convey the theme of violence, as Tybalt strongly advises Mercutio against associating with Romeo in a sincere manner.

At first, Romeo is subdued and melancholic concerning his affection for Rosaline. However, upon encountering Juliet, he undergoes a transformation, becoming more proactive and fervent. He demonstrates an unwavering commitment to his love, even to the point of being prepared to sacrifice his life. Romeo's impulsiveness is evident, as he is eager to wed immediately and disregards any potential repercussions.

In his role on the scene, he marries Juliet in secret and stops Mercutio from fighting. Despite his past enjoyment of fighting, being married to Juliet has changed his perspective and he no longer desires to engage in fights. He articulates this by stating, "Oh sweet Juliet, your beauty has weakened me like a woman and I am unable to fight as I am enthralled by your beauty." Additionally, he remarks, "I have never witnessed such genuine beauty until this moment."

Romeo is filled with sorrow, grief, and despair following the death of Mercutio, who was not only a dear friend to him, but also someone who sacrificed their life. I empathize with Romeo when he witnesses Tybalt killing Mercutio because Mercutio was a remarkable character with an extraordinary imagination and impressive command of language. He also displayed immense bravery. Once again, Shakespeare masterfully employs language to convey the concept of violence, indicating that Mercutio's part is over and now Romeo must take over.

While Romeo and Juliet are accountable for their tragic fate due to their decision to conceal their love and lack of open communication with their parents, it is crucial to recognize that the profound animosity between the

Capulet and Montague families significantly contributed to the events leading to their demise. The intense affection shared by Romeo and Juliet merely exacerbated the situation. Ultimately, it is primarily the responsibility of the Capulets and Montagues for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet because if they hadn't harbored such hostility towards one another, they might have permitted their children's marriage and a blissful life together.

Benvolio, a member of the Montague family, was the lone individual who recognized the irrationality of the fighting and made attempts to cease it. Unlike the Capulets, who lacked someone like Benvolio to mediate, they had Tybalt whose sole objective was to eradicate all Montagues. Both families only became aware of their children's love after their tragic demises. While both families were primarily responsible for Romeo and Juliet's deaths, one could argue that it was simply their destiny to perish. Benvolio, whose name signifies good wishes, embodied peace and courage. He consistently strived to prevent conflicts between the Montagues and Capulets and ultimately survived in order to provide an explanation to the prince regarding Romeo's slaying of Tybalt.

If Romeo hadn't killed Tybalt, the events in the play would have unfolded differently. They could have announced their marriage and potentially resolved the argument peacefully, avoiding further violence. Had Romeo received Friar Laurence's note in time, he would have been aware of Juliet's plan to fake her own death. Additionally, if Romeo had taken the time to confirm Juliet's death instead of hastily rushing to the burial ground, they could have saved their own lives. Unfortunately, none of these scenarios occur. Verona continues to witness the ongoing family disputes between the Capulet and

Montague families, which have persisted for generations. However, within a few days, the feud finally comes to an end. Tragically, it takes the deaths of five family members for Capulet and Montague to reconcile.

Romeo's affection shifted instantly when he laid eyes on Juliet, causing him to swiftly abandon his love for Rosaline. In their initial encounter, Romeo questions, "Has my heart ever experienced love until now?," indicating that he had never felt such love prior to their meeting. He further expresses his desperation to be with Juliet by stating, "Call me only love, and I will undergo a rebirth." Romeo is willing to go to any lengths for Juliet, including sacrificing himself.

The play presents a stark contrast between the characters of Romeo and Juliet, who represent love, and the characters of Mercutio and Tybalt, who symbolize hate and violence. These opposing portrayals highlight the theme of love versus violence in the play.

Mercutio is a Montague and Romeo's closest companion. He is known for his bravery and imaginative speeches, often using playful and occasionally vulgar language. In some ways, he resembles Tybalt, as both are inclined to provoke fights and enjoy entertainment.

Tybalt, a member of the Capulet family, is an incredibly aggressive character. His interests lie in fighting the Montagues and everything he says is against them, filled with anger and hatred towards Romeo's family. Ultimately, I found Shakespeare to be inspiring and imaginative, with his genius in bringing his characters to life. His ability to convey the concepts of hate and violence through them was truly remarkable and breathtaking.

Upon thoroughly reading the main plots, I observed that William Shakespeare cleverly employed an impressive imagination

in his play. He designated 'Benvolio's' character as a peacekeeper for the Montague family. However, he did not introduce any peacekeeping character for the Capulet family. Nonetheless, I believe that if Shakespeare had included such a character for the Capulets, it would have led to a peaceful resolution.