| Simile | A comparison using like or asAct I Scene 4- love pricks like a thorn Act II Scene 2- Loves goes toward love as school boys |
| Metaphor | figure of speech comparing two different thingsAct I Scene 5- my lips, two blushing pilgrims Act II Scene 5- are you so hot |
| Oxymoron | A form of paradox that combines a pair of opposite terms into a single unusual expression. Act I Scene 1- Romeo- feather of leadAct III Scene 2- Juliet- Speech about Tybalt’s Death beautiful tyrant |
| alliteration | Repetition of initial consonant soundsAct I Scene 4- |
| foreshadowing | A narrative device that hints at coming events; often builds suspense or anxiety in the reader.Act III Scene 2- Juliet- asking if Romeo has killed himselfAct II Scene 3- Friar Lawrence- |
| allusion | A reference to another work of literature, person, or eventAct I Scene I- Aurora Act III Scene 2- Phoebus- Juliet soliloquy Act III Scene 2- Phaeton – Juliet soliloquy – Phaeton will go faster – bring the night |
| personification | A figure of speech in which an object or animal is given human feelings, thoughts, or attitudesAct III, Scene 2- Juliet giving the night a personalityAct I Scene 1- Benvolio gives night a genderAct |
| soliloquy | LITERARY OR DRAMATIC SPEECH BY ONE CHARACTER, NOT ADDRESSED TO OTHERS. Juliet is waiting for the nurse-Act III Scene 2- Juliet- Wanting Romeo Act II, Scene 3- Friar Lawrence- Cycle of Life |
| monologue | A long speech made by one performer or by one person in a group.Act I, Scene 4- Mercutio- Queen MabAct I Scene I- Prince Escales – rebellious subjects |
| aside | A dramatic convention by which an actor directly addresses the audience but it is not supposed to be heard by the other actors on the stage. |
| hyperbole | A figure of speech that uses exaggeration to express strong emotion, make a point, or evoke humor |
| dramatic irony | (theater) irony that occurs when the meaning of the situation is understood by the audience but not by the characters in the playAct III Scene 2- the Nurse- telling Juliet about Tybalt’s deathRomeo telling tybalt that he loves him |
Literary Terms for Romeo and Juliet
July 13, 2019