The death scene in Romeo and Juliet Essay Example For Students

The death scene in Romeo and Juliet Essay The death scene in Romeo and Juliet, act v Scene iii is a powerfully dramatic thing, with close reference to the text and Baz Luhrmans modern adaptation explain how the scene is dramatically affected. You must consider the following: The scene in detail up to the death of Juliet Key moments in the scene, their impact on the audience and the significance of each Shakespeares use of language for emotive/dramatic effect How dramatic tension is conveyed by Luhrmann The social/historical context of the play and audience reaction then and now Anything else you consider relevant Romeo and Juliet was written by William Shakespeare around 1595. It is a book about two star crossed lovers destined to die and the story leading up to their deaths. At the time it was written, fathers were very much more in control of what happened his families lives. Many fathers of time would have frowned upon the play as not only did Juliet not agree with her father when he arranged her marriage, but even the simple fact that Romeo and Juliet even started a relationship knowing they were from rival families. Baz Luhrmann made a modern adaptation of the book. The movie was a great hit, even with the younger audience. This essay will talk about both the original text and Baz Luhrmanns modern adaptation. The scene opens with Paris and his Page entering the churchyard where the Capulets family tomb is, and where Juliet lies. Paris arriving has already created dramatic tension, as we know Romeo is on his way from Mantua. Because of this we can tell there is going to be conflict between Romeo and Paris right from the start of the scene. Paris intentions for being at the family vault are very simple; he wants to see Juliet on his own so he can grieve in peace. This shows Paris has genuine feelings for Juliet as if he just wanted to see Juliet so that people would think he has feelings for her he would have came when everyone else did, but he comes by himself at night when no one is around. Paris sends his Page off to hide in the churchyard and to give him warning if anyone is coming. Almost immediately after he has hidden he whistles to Paris warning him someone is approaching. Paris says What cursà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½d foot wanders this way to-night. This is very ironic as it is Romeo coming and he is cursed, hes a star crossed lover destined to die. Along with the irony the tension is greatly increased here as we know what Romeo is planning to do and we can see why Paris would take it the wrong way. As Romeo smashes at the tombs gate with his crowbar, Paris apprehends him. Paris misunderstands Romeos intentions and believes he is there to cause more trouble after killing Tybalt, which he thinks lead to Juliets suicide. Paris says Can vengeance be pursued further than death? confirming Paris blames Romeo for Juliets suicide. Paris, on many occasions, refers to Romeo as a villain this just re-instates that he doesnt understand Romeos intentions and cant imagine he is there to grieve for Juliet yet he is taking the ultimate sacrifice for her, ending his life to be with her. At one point Paris says Obey, and go with me, for thou must die because Romeo is there to do just that, kill himself for Juliet, this is verbal dramatic irony. Romeo retaliates to Paris verbal onslaught by calling him boy, he says Wilt thou provoke me? Then have at thee, boy! This shows Romeos disrespect for Paris, and that he thinks he is inferior. Romeo pleads with Paris to leave but he does not listen. Romeo also says tempt not a desperate man meaning, what Romeo is there to do is important, and if Paris gets in his way, Romeo is prepared to kill him. How are the emotions anger, hatred, fear, love, grief and despair presented, In 'Romeo and Juliet' through the language and dramatic actions of the play? EssayThen as Romeo is standing over Juliets lifeless body there is an extreme close up of Romeo. He then comments on the fact that she still shows signs of life thou are not conquered This is dramatic irony as hes saying she doesnt look dead but still thinks she is, and we know she isnt. This has a powerful effect audience. Then Romeo says his last words and lifts the poison to his lips. Just as he drinks it Juliet touches his face. This is probably the saddest bit of the movie as this is were they both realise exactly what has happened. Then as Romeo lies dying, Juliet kisses his lips to try and get some poison off his lips. He then says, thus with a kiss a tear rolls down his face I die. Juliet then lets out a cry which echoes around the whole church, this emphasises Juliets isolation and how alone she feels. There is then an ov erhead shot of the gun, this makes the audience very tense as we know she is going to use it. She then picks up the gun, cocks it and the shot is heard off screen. There is then a shot up the transcept of the church and we can see an inverted cross, this may be a reminder that suicide is against Christian doctrine. At this point we feel tremendous pity towards them as we knew they never had a chance as they were star crossed lovers fated to die. Then the camera pulls away and this suggests their souls are ascending to heaven together. Luhrmann then puts together a montage of clips from the movie, this includes when they first meet at the Capulet party and see each other through the fish tank, the morning after the wedding, it then returns to the church. Then it goes back to a previous bit in the movie again, the kiss in the swimming pool. The water may be a symbol of rebirth. Then it whites out, this may be a symbol of them going to heaven as heaven is seen as all white. Then the music of the woodwinds at the end of this sequence, after everything the two loves have gone through, gives a sense of peace at last. It is an unconventional adaptation of the classic love story moved to the futuristic backdrop of Verona beach. It has been classed as spellbinding and wildly inventive. In conclusion, although the play and movie use the same lines, it keeps you entertained in different ways. The play uses tension by making it clear that certain things are going to happen before they do and as it leads up to these points the audience becomes very anxious. In Baz Luhrmanns adaptation there is fast paced scenes to create tension. The use of music also helped the modern adaptation as it plays on your emotions and creates and atmosphere. Overall I enjoyed the movie more as I think there is just more in it to make you want to watch on.