Dramatic Technique in Act 2 Scene 2
Dramatic Effect
Techniques used by the writer to develop the plot and the atmosphere, emphasise themes and ideas contained in the play and to grab the audience’s attention.
Linguistic Devices
Hyperbole (over-the-top exaggerated language)
Soliloquy – Romeo speaks to himself at the start of the scene lets the audience know what he is thinking. Why? What is the effect?
Figurative Language– metaphors and similes to emphasise R&J’s love for each other.
Verbal signals for the audience– the actor reminding the audience what time of day it is, or where they are: ‘I do have night’s cloak to hide me’ – Romeo. Why is this important to Shakespeare’s audience (think Globe theatre / not lighting etc).
The conventions (rules) of love– How and why are R&J following the rules of love? How does Juliet test Romeo to see if he is genuine? Why? And how does this all help to develop the risk factor and romantic tension of the scene?
Hidden sexual references– Shakespeare was writing for a wide audience, plus he is writing about two teenage lovers, both of whom are quite innocent. Consequently we do see a subtle puns and word plays in the text. Why does Shakespeare do this and to what effect?
Comic Relief– Not red nose day, but a technique whereby the writer (Shakespeare) introduces some humour or silliness into an intense scene to break up the tension or to show how intense it is in comparison to the rest of the play. Think about the Nurse interrupting R&J by constantly calling to Juliet? What is the effect of this?
Always ask yourself: How would have Shakespeare’s audience reacted to this ‘rule’ breaking?
Presentational Devices
Scene & setting– The orchard is loaded with powerful symbols of love, fertility and danger. The fact that Juliet is up high in her window suggests that she has more power in this scene.
Concealment – Romeo is in hiding at the start of the scene. How does this add to the tension of the scene (think romance and danger)? R&J must hide their love from their parents. Juliet is hiding from the Nurse who is calling her in to bed. Concealment is everywhere in this scene. How does this reflect other themes in the rest of the play?
The Wall – Romeo climbs over a wall to enter the orchard. How else might we interpret this barrier? A barrier or obstacle to love perhaps? Yet another way for brave / lustful Romeo to prove his worth?
What has just happened? – Why might this be the one night in the year when Romeo could sneak in and out of the Capulet orchard?
Risk taking– Think about the conventions (rules) of love – Romeo is proving himself by taking some ‘manly’ risks, but is Juliet also taking risks? Is she breaking the rules of love and family?
Character Development– Shakespeare was a writer years ahead of his time. One of the techniques he developed was the use of minor or smaller characters to help introduce sub-plots and to help develop the main characters. Think about the (small) role of the Nurse in Act 2 Scene 2. She only says a few words, but are we supposed to see her as a surrogate mother, since it is the Nurse and not her real mother calling her in to bed?
Always ask yourself: how does this relate to the rest of the play?
