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Shakespeare's Use of Dramatic Irony In Romeo and Juliet Essay

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Shakespeare's Use of Dramatic Irony In Romeo and Juliet

I understand that the term, 'Dramatic irony' is the irony that occurs when a situation, or speech for instance, is fully understood by the audience but not by the characters in the play.

Shakespeare uses dramatic irony superbly throughout the play, because he leaves the audience in suspense and anticipation whilst leaving the theatre surrounded by tension. This is what I think makes the play a great tragedy because it makes us ask the question, "What if?" What if Romeo hadn't been so hasty in love? What if he hadn't let his emotions (especially rage) control him?

In the prologue, the chorus announces, "A pair of star-cross'd lovers …show more content…

Her worries could not have been very strong as they are wed at the end of Act II.

In Act 3 scene I, we see dramatic irony right from the start when the scene opens on Benvolio talking to Mercutio. Benvolio is saying that they should retire as, "The day is hot, the Capels are abroad, and if we meet, we shall not 'scape a brawl." This is true and the audience knows it as one of the characters is soon to depart out of the play, but when? The audience may also acknowledge that this scene is an echo of Act 1 Scene 1 as a fight was within grasp, but Benvolio interfered and the fight did not commence. This time it is different as the shadow of death is hanging over one of the characters, grave and deadly.

The audience is familiarised with more dramatic irony when Tybalt, a rival to the Montagues, shows up looking to fight with Romeo. We know that he will not as he has just bestowed his love to Juliet, cousin of Tybalt, so Romeo and Tybalt are now of kin and he will not fight. Romeo explains his reasons for not fighting, when he says, "I have to love thee." Romeo must back down from this duel as he would be fighting his own family.

"This shall not excuse the injuries that thou hast done me. Therefore turn and draw." Retorts Tybalt. This

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