Final answer:
William Shakespeare creates suspense in 'Romeo and Juliet' through dramatic irony, particularly during the climax in the tomb where an unknowing Romeo finds a seemingly dead Juliet. Foreshadowing and rapid pacing also contribute to the overall tension, keeping the audience on edge as they await the tragic conclusion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author, William Shakespeare, creates suspense in the excerpt from Romeo and Juliet involving Benvolio and Mercutio by harnessing dramatic irony and the impending sense of doom. For example, the audience is aware that Romeo and Juliet's plans to be together are doomed due to the hatred between their families. This use of dramatic irony, where the audience knows Juliet is merely asleep while Romeo does not, escalates the tension to its peak when Romeo finds Juliet in the tomb. The culmination of suspense is particularly palpable at the climax of the play when the audience anxiously hopes Juliet will awaken before Romeo takes his own life.
To intensify suspense, Shakespeare also uses foreshadowing and rapid pacing in the plot's development. As the story progresses toward its tragic end, the audience is kept in suspense by not knowing when or how the impending tragedy will unfold, despite being aware of the fateful resolution. This method keeps the audience engaged and on edge, contributing to the emotional impact of the play.