Romeo's Use Of Dramatic Irony In Act 3 Scene 1

Romeo’s use of dramatic irony in Act III, Scene I develops conflict and builds Romeo’s character. When Tybalt seeks out Romeo in order to quarrel with him, Romeo is unwilling to fight the man who has recently become his relative, even though Tybalt is unaware of this relationship. Romeo apprises Tybalt that he loves him “better than [he] canst devise”, and says he cherishes the Capulet name, but also acknowledges that Tybalt does not know the reason for this love (3.1.64). Tybalt assumes that Romeo is taunting him because he does not believe that Romeo could adore one he once called a foe. Tybalt grows angrier upon hearing this, thus amplifying the conflict between them. Romeo’s words being falsely interpreted as a jest at Tybalt also indirectly