Analysis and Evaluation

This appropriation of act 3 scene 1 incorporates both images and text to create a modern adaptation of the original play. There are a number of visual techniques that represent elements of the original play. The salient element of the image is Romeo’s character. The size and colour of the figure represent his rage after Mercutio’s death and hatred of Tybalt. Tybalt’s character is smaller and darker, showing his fear before he is killed.

The centre element of the image can be interpreted in different ways. It can be seen as fate looming over the two households which ties in with the overall theme of the play. It can also be seen as God watching with disapproval over the incident as both families are depicted as highly religious. The background element is a picture of a path with trees on either side. This represents the theme of fate as both the characters are on a set path and cannot move away from it.

The quotes also support the theme of fate. When Mercutio says: “A plague on both your households”, Romeo is given the idea that fate is working against him. The line: “O, I am fortunes fool” refers to Romeo’s belief in fate. It also reinforces Romeo’s belief that fate is working against him. The centre quote: “If ever you disturb our streets again, pay the forfeit of the peace” refers to the Prince’s threat. After Romeo kills Tybalt, he realises he will be punished.

This is an appropriation because it has been adapted from the original text. It has successfully been appropriated for a modern audience because of its modern imagery.