Read Capulet’s speech from Act IV, Scene 2, as he plans for the wedding: Tush, I will stir about, And all things shall be well, I warrant thee, wife: Go thou to Juliet, help to deck up her; I’ll not to bed to-night; --let me alone; I’ll play the housewife for this once. --What, Ho! -- They are all forth: well, I will walk myself To County Paris, to prepare him up Against to-morrow: my heart is wondrous light Since this same wayward girl is so reclaim’d. How does this example of dramatic irony create tension?

Question

Read Capulet’s speech from Act IV, Scene 2, as he plans for the wedding: Tush, I will stir about, And all things shall be well, I warrant thee, wife: Go thou to Juliet, help to deck up her; I’ll not to bed to-night; --let me alone; I’ll play the housewife for this once. --What, Ho! -- They are all forth: well, I will walk myself To County Paris, to prepare him up Against to-morrow: my heart is wondrous light Since this same wayward girl is so reclaim’d. How does this example of dramatic irony create tension?

Readers know that Juliet will obey her father's wishes. Readers know that Juliet will obey her father's wishes.

Readers know that Juliet has no plans to marry Paris.

Readers know that Juliet has no plans to marry Paris. Readers know that Capulet looks forward to his daughter’s marriage to Paris.

Readers know that Capulet looks forward to his daughter’s marriage to Paris. Readers know that Capulet plans to continue the Capulet-Montague feud.

Answer 1

The tension is created because while Capulet believes Juliet will obey him and go through with the wedding to Paris, the audience knows that Juliet has other plans that will ultimately lead to tragedy. This dramatic irony adds suspense and excitement to the play as the audience waits to see how everything will unfold. It also creates a sense of dread as the audience anticipates the tragic consequences of Capulet's actions.