Figurative Language & Devices
"Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health, Still-waking sleep, that is not what it is" (1.1.169-174).
The above is an example of:
Oxymoron
She has a closer relationship with Juliet than Juliet’s own mother.
Nurse
Where does the story of Romeo & Juliet take place (setting)?
Verona, Italy
When Juliet first sees Romeo, she tells the Nurse:
"Go ask his name. -- If he be married. My grave is like to be my wedding bed" (1.5.132-133).
What literary device is Shakespeare using?
Hint: Not hyperbole
Foreshadowing
Romeo & Juliet love each other, but their families hate each other. How do they plan to be together?
They plan to have Friar Lawrence marry them without their parents' knowledge.
"Oh, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!" (1.5.42).
Romeo still describing what is love. What kind of figurative language is he using?
Personification
He is Romeo's cousin and good friend. He is always promoting peace. Who is he?
Benvolio
The town fight in the beginning of Act One reveals the main conflict of Romeo and Juliet’s story. What is the main conflict?
The Montagues and Capulets have hated each other for a long time.
***Daily Double!***
When Juliet realizes that Romeo is a Montague, she says: "My only love sprung from my only hate! Too early seen unknown, and known too late!” (1.5.136-137).
What does she mean?
that the only man she loves is the son of the man she hates
In the balcony scene, Juliet is talking to herself aloud. She is expressing an inner conflict or worry about Romeo. What is it?
Hint: It is not about his name or that he is a Montague.
She loves Romeo, but she fears that his love for her is not true.
“I fear too early, for my mind misgives, Some consequence, yet hanging in the stars, Shall bitterly begin his fearful date . . ." (1.4.108-115).
Romeo says this as he is walking to the Capulet party. This is an example of:
Foreshadowing
Who are Good Pilgrim and Dear Saint?
Romeo and Juliet
When we first meet Romeo in Act One, he is very sad (depressed). Why?
He is in love with a girl named Rosaline, but she doesn't love him.
When Romeo sees Juliet at the Capulet ball, he says:
“O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!”
What does he mean?
She is so beautiful that she brightens the room and teaches the torches (lamps) how to burn as bright as she does.
Why does Tybalt (Juliet's cousin), send a letter to Lord Montague (Romeo's dad)?
To tell Lord Montague that he (Tybalt) has a feud to settle with his son, Romeo.
“You are a lover. Borrow Cupid’s wings, And soar with them above a common bound” (1.4.18-19).
What type of figurative language is being used?
Allusion
Juliet's parents want her to marry him. Who is he?
Paris
How does Romeo and Benvolio learn about the Capulet party?
The servant (Peter) cannot read and asks Romeo to read the invitation announcement.
One of Juliet's most famous lines is:
"O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?" (2.2.33).
What does she mean? Explain what she is saying.
"Why must you be a Romeo (Montague)?"
Etymology: Wherefore is an archaic term meaning "for what reason"
When Romeo tells Friar Lawrence that he now loves Juliet and wants to marry her, Friar Lawrence scolds him. Why?
He thinks Romeo is so changeable in love. Today he loves one girl and tomorrow he loves another.
“Love is a smoke raised with the fume of sighs;” (1.1.184).
Romeo is describing what is love. What type of figurative language is he using?
Metaphor
He is accepted by both Capulets and Montagues; he is unromantic and thinks love is only for pleasure.
Who is he?
Mercutio
During the Capulet feast/party, Tybalt recognizes Romeo by his voice (it is a masked party). Yet, Lord Capulet tells Tybalt to leave Romeo alone (don't bother him). What are 2 reasons why he says this?
He thinks Romeo is a good person and the prince threatened them.
When Juliet says, “That which we call a rose/By any other word would smell as sweet” (2.2.43-44).
What is she saying?
"A rose would smell just as sweet if we called it by another name, so names are not that important."
Proving that Romeo's last name doesn't change who he is as a person.
Why does Friar Lawerence agree to marry Romeo & Juliet?
He thinks their marriage will end the feud between their families (Capulets and Montagues).