Literary Terms
consists of humorous scenes, incidents, or speeches that are included in a serious drama to provide a reduction in the emotional intensity
Comic Relief
foreshadowing evil
ominous
"If ever you disturb our streets again, your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace."
Prince
The only heir of the Capulet family. Is young, but family is already considering marriage proposals.
Juliet
In Act 2, Scene 3 Friar Laurence says that individuals are both
good and evil
be a warning or indication of (a future event).
Foreshadowing
having intellectual depth and insight
profound
"Parting is such sweet sorrow."
Juliet
This character's only interest is love. Goes to extremes to prove the seriousness of his feelings.
Romeo
In Act I, Scene 5, Romeo compares his lips to
Pilgrims
a speech in which a character speaks his or her thoughts aloud. Generally, the character is on the stage alone, not speaking to other characters and perhaps not even consciously addressing an audience.
soliloquy
bad habits; annoying problem
vexation
"I do but keep the peace. Put up thy sword, or manage it to the part these men with thee."
Benvolio
A long-winded, sentimental character. Often makes inappropriate jokes and is seen as vulgar.
Nurse
After Mercutio's Queen Mab monologue in Act 1, Scene 4 he tells Romeo that dreams are
not real/nothing
A metrical pattern of five feet, or units, each of which is made up of two syllables, the first unstressed and the second stressed.
Iambic Pentameter
leaning; resting; lying down
recumbent
"Wisely and slowly. They stumble that run fast."
Friar Laurence
Mindful of the peace in Verona. Appreciates moderation (balance) and always has a plan.
Friar Laurence
In Act 1, Scene 5, Capulet gets angry with Tybalt because
he is ignoring his wishes as the head of the family
Commented on the actions of the characters in a drama. In some Elizabethan plays, this was a single actor that served as a narrator and spoke the lines in the prologue (and sometimes in an epilogue). Serves to foreshadow or summarize events.
Chorus
immature; inexperienced
callow
"I have been feasting with mine enemy, where on a sudden one hath wounded me that's by me wounded."
Romeo
An extremely witty character who often uses his imagination to poke fun at others. Uses word play often.
Mercutio
In Act 2, Scene 2 Juliet tells Romeo that their love is too
like the lightening, too rash