Romeo and Juliet - Act 3, Scene 1 Essay Plan

How does Shakespeare use dramatic devices in Act 3 Scene 1 of Romeo and Juliet in order to make it such an interesting, exciting and important scene?

Introduction

Give some brief details about:
• the plot of Romeo and Juliet;
• how the play fits into the tragedy genre;
• the general themes of the play;
• the social and historical context of the play;
• where this scene fits into the play as a whole.

Main Part

You need to explain how and why Shakespeare uses dramatic devices within the scene to interest, involve and affect the audience. Comment on:
• the methods Shakespeare uses to create mood and atmosphere at the start of the scene (character, language);
• the way he contrasts the mood of this scene with the romantic atmosphere of the previous scene (Act 2 Scene 6);
• how the scene links to previous events in the play (the feud between the Montagues and the Capulets, previous public brawls, the Prince's warnings);
• the use and effects of dramatic irony within the scene (when Romeo refuses to rise to Tybalt’s challenge);
• the conflict between various characters and its impact on the audience;
• the dramatic impact of any entrances and exits, (particularly those involving Mercutio’s death);
• the use of Benvolio as a narrator;
• the way the plot development in this scene is used to create suspense, including the repetition of the phrase “a plague on both your houses”.

Conclusion

Finally, sum up why this is such a dramatic and important scene:

• overall, how does this scene affect the audience?
• what makes Act 3 Scene 1 the turning point in the play?
• how do the Prince's words at the end of the scene interest and involve the members of the audience?
• what do you think of the scene and why?