Tension in Act 3, Scene 1 of "Romeo and Juliet" Anonymous 10th Grade

Tension between characters is a key feature of many plays. “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare contains many scenes in which there is tension, but 3.1 – the turning point of the play – is tensest of all. The scene is pivotal in the story of “two star-crossed lovers” and their doomed romance. 3.1 is full of conflict and action as tensions between Tybalt, Mercutio and Romeo reach a climax. The tension in this scene, and its importance in the play as a whole, will be discussed herein with reference to characterisation, language and symbolism.

The tension which comes to a head in 3.1 actually has its origins much earlier in the play. At the end of Act 1, Romeo and other young Montague men attend the Capulet ball uninvited. Tybalt Capulet – Juliet’s cousin and the play’s antagonist – notices Romeo and is enraged. Shakespeare makes clear Tybalt’s anger through memorable lines such as: “By the stock and honour of my kin, To strike him dead I hold it not a sin.” Tybalt here swears revenge for Romeo’s “intrusion”, which he views as an “injury” to the Capulet family honour. Shakespeare’s use of rhyme from “saucy boy” Tybalt shows his troublesome determination and heightens the tension. That he is so willing to fight contrasts even...