The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, ​
Act IV, ​by William Shakespeare Literary Analysis: Dramatic Irony In Act IV, the strain from the urgency of events begins to show. Juliet is under real pressure now as the marriage to Paris looms. Romeo is out of reach, and events seem beyond control. As members of the audience, we know things characters don’t. The difference between what we know and what they don’t know often leads to ​dramatic irony, ​a contradiction between a character’s understanding and the actual situation. When Paris says Juliet weeps “immoderately” over Tybalt’s death, we know that she is not weeping for Tybalt, but for her banished Romeo. Part of the genius of Shakespeare is that he keeps these double meanings in play, line after line, often wittily. Look for them. Sometimes dramatic irony occurs in small exchanges, as in the previous example. Sometimes it foreshadows the entire turn of events. At the end of Scene ii, Capulet is joyful that Juliet has apparently agreed to the marriage. He concludes the scene, saying that “all things shall be well, I warrant thee,” even as plans and events to the contrary are developing. D​IRECTIONS​: ​Respond to each of the following quotations by explaining the dramatic irony it creates. 1. Scene i (Lawrence asks Paris to leave.): FRIAR. My lord, we must entreat the time alone. PARIS. God shield I should disturb devotion! Juliet, on Thursday early will I rouse ye. 2. Scene ii (Juliet has told her father she will go through with the wedding; he begins to provision for the celebration.): CAPULET. My heart is wondrous light, Since this same wayward girl is so reclaimed. 3. Scene iii (Juliet prepares for bed.): LADY CAPULET. What are you busy, ho? Need you my help? JULIET. No, madam; we have culled such necessaries As are behoveful for our state tomorrow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LADY CAPULET. Good night. Get thee to bed, and rest: for thou hast need.