Romeo and Juliet - Act III, Scene V :: Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet - Act III, Scene V         Act III, Scene V of Romeo and Juliet is significant for it is the most pivotal scene of this tragic play.  Although prior scenes surrender extreme circumstances, this scene reveals the results of past activities and begins a series of tragic misunderstandings and fatal reactions.  Transformations occuring amongst characters and their relationships with one another and the tone of the play are revealed in this scene.  Through language, Shakespeare presents these changes as well as foreshadowing the eventual tragedy Romeo and Juliets death.  From this point on in the play there are no more comedic or romanticist scenes.  The following scenes are of extreme actions, mishap and tragedy.  The star-crossed lovers cannot escape their fate.         One of the many transformations presented in this scene is that of Romeo and Juliets love for one another.  Romeo and Juliets love arranges the transition from infatuation to a deep and sincere love.  In earlier scenes they used overly romantic language and metaphor, whereas, now they speak to one another of their love in a mature and tender way.  They will do anything to be with one another, for their love surpasses any emotion for their familial or community ties.  They are will to make any sacrifice in order to have their desire for one another fulfilled.  Both Romeo and Juliet enjoy each others company on their first sunrise together following their marriage and they do not want to part.         Juliets first visible transformation to adulthood is revealed here.  In Romeos desire to be with Juliet, he is willing to risk capture, and most probably death, in being found within the Capulet walls.  Romeo, although maturing in his feelings of love and intimacy is still young and reckless in his behavior.  In contrast, upon rationali zing the circumstance of daylight and their being found, Juliet eventually pleads for Romeo to leave O, now be gone More light and light it grows. (III, v, 35)  To which Romeo responds, More light and light- more unlit and dark our woes. (III, v, 36)  The metaphors associated with light (i.e. the sun, the moon, the day) which previously protected their affair is now their enemy.  Nature itself has turned upon them