Dramatic Irony in Romeo and Juliet

Dramatic Irony in Romeo and Juliet

In William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, a love forms between the children of two feuding households. Despite their parents, Romeo, a Montague, and young Juliet, a Capulet, find each other and fall hopelessly in love. The secrets and miscommunications throughout the play cause dramatic moments in which characters find themselves in situations where they would not be had they told the truth. Dramatic irony, a type of irony inherent in a situation of drama and understood by the audience but not quite grasped by all the characters in the play, is used by Shakespeare to lure the audience into this tragic love story.

Tybalt, the nephew of Capulet, seeks to duel with Romeo for trespassing into the party at the Capulets’ the night before. Since being secretly married, Romeo, as well as the audience, knows that they are technically related to each other through Juliet, and he refuses to fight, claiming that he is fonder of Tybalt than he could possibly comprehend without knowing why. Mercutio, a relative of the Prince, confuses Romeo’s confession as cowardice and takes his place in the duel. Stated in the beginning of Act III, Mercutio says to Tybalt, “Oh what a calm, dishonorable and vile reply! The fancy fencer wins!” (Shakespeare, III, i, 137). Romeo steps in, trying his very best to stop the fight, but Tybalt strikes from under Romeo’s arm killing Mercutio. Romeo, furious about Mercutio’s murder, faces off with Tybalt as he returns. After a ferocious battle, Romeo’s sword strikes home, ending the life of Tybalt. Initially, Romeo refuses to fight with Tybalt because, as the audience knows, the two are technically related.

Shortly following Tybalt’s death and Romeo’s banishment, Capulet and his Lady believe that Juliet cries for the loss of her cousin, Tybalt. However, Juliet does mourn the death of her kin, but the audience knows that she is actually distraught about losing the love of her life, Romeo. In attempt to