Question

In this act, we see a few instances of comic relief. For example, when the Nurse teases Romeo, and again when the Nurse teases Juliet. Why would Shakespeare want to include a few moments of comic relief in a tragedy? What effect does it have on the audience watching the play?

Answer 1

Some pretty heavy stuff is going on. Juliet is almost being forced into a marriage at gunpoint. There have been deaths and murders to close friends and valued relatives.

To top it off Juliet is only 14 and Romeo 17. No wonder the Nurse tries to make her laugh. I don't know about you, but I like gallows humor. It takes a courageous person to make light of life and particularly death. The jokes are desperate, but they are jokes. I always feel that it is better to laugh than to cry.