The Role of Foreshadowing and Dramatic Irony in Romeo and Juliet

The devices of foreshadowing and dramatic irony cause suspense and conflict, and the audience is well aware of what is happening. William Shakespeare uses foreshadowing and dramatic irony the most in the play Romeo and Juliet to keep the audience very well interested. When people get hints for what is next, they use those hints to put the pieces together, almost like a puzzle.

When Shakespeare gives the audience little hints about what is to come next. Juliet states, “I will look to like, if looking, liking move. But no more deep will I end my eye Than your consent gives strength to make it fly,” (Shakespeare 1.3.99-101.) Juliet will try to get along and look at Paris, but she does not want to get married. She is not interested in Paris, let alone getting married to him already so the audience knows the relationship is not going to work out. The amount of sudden love and chemistry in Romeo and Juliet leads to lots of conflict among all the characters. Romeo explains “Not in a grave, To lay one in, another out to have,” (Shakespeare 2.3.83b-84.) Romeo is saying that he would go so far that he would even die for Juliet because he loves her so much. A hint is given for what is to come next because Romeo is saying he would die rather than have something happen to Juliet.

Shakespeare also liked to let the audience know information that the characters on stage do not know. Friar says, “Peace, ho, for shame! Confusion's cure lives no" (Shakespeare 4.5.65.) Romeo unconditionally loves Juliet, and he expresses his love in many ways. Romeo states, “She will beshrew me much like Romeo. Hath had no notice of these accidents'' (Shakespeare 5.2.25-26.) This is a dramatic part because Romeo is on his way to Verona to see Juliet because he thinks she is dead. However, Friar sends someone to tell Romeo that Juliet is not dead.

Throughout the play, Shakespeare gives people multiple examples of foreshadowing to keep the audience from becoming too upset by the tragic outcome. Romeo explains, “Come, death, and welcome! Juliet wills it so,” (Shakespeare 3.5.24.) The lovers' deaths are both trapped by their future and fate. The effect of Romeo and Juliet is that love seems more precious to the audience. Shakespeare also gives people multiple examples of dramatic irony to create tension for the audience. Friar says, “Holy Saint Francis, what a change is here! Is Rosaline, that thou didst love so dear” (Shakespeare 2.3.65-66.) Friar is happy that Romeo has found love. However, Friar wonders why Romeo had such a quick change of mind.

People get clues about what is coming next, then use those clues to figure out possible endings. In Romeo and Juliet, there are many scenes full of disagreements, and dramatic messages to the audience. Foreshadowing and dramatic irony are two of the most used themes in Romeo and Juliet.