Figurative Language
The extraordinarily romantic balcony scene of Romeo and Juliet is one of the most famous and remembered parts. Found within this scene is a plethora of figurative language, many of which are featured in the most well-known quotes from this play. One of the most famous is said by Romeo; “But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the East, and Juliet is the sun” (Shakespeare II.2.2-3). Romeo is using a metaphor to directly compare Juliet’s beauty to the brightness of the sun. Such a metaphor is considered extremely romantic, so Shakespeare uses them continuously throughout this scene to cause its mood to be romantic for the audience’s enjoyment. Another example of is when Romeo says, “O, speak again, bright angel, for thou art as glorious to this night, being o’er my head, as a winged messenger of heaven” (Shakespeare II.2.26-28). Again, Romeo is comparing Juliet to yet another beautiful thing; an angel. Shakespeare uses metaphors like this to not only entertain the audience by creating such a romantic mood, but also by demonstrating exactly how much Romeo loves Juliet.
Perhaps the reason the balcony scene is remembered as the most romantic is because of the use of figurative language. It is so abundant in this scene; one can find an example on almost every line. Besides metaphors, Shakespeare also uses personification to his advantage. Romeo says, “With love’s light wings did I o’erperch these walls; for stony limits cannot hold love out, and what love can do, that dares love attempt” (Shakespeare II.2.66-68). Through the use of such figurative language, Shakespeare wins the audience’s full attention as Romeo and Juliet confess their love for each other in the most romantic way possible. He then causes the audience to become doubtful of their love when Juliet says, “This bud of love, by summer’s ripening breath, may prove beauteous flower when next we meet” (Shakespeare II.2.121-122). Juliet is telling Romeo that everything is happening too fast; they should wait and see if their love is real and maybe it will grow. The extremely romantic scene ends with Romeo’s marriage proposal to Juliet and the audience must wait to see how everything will unravel.
Perhaps the reason the balcony scene is remembered as the most romantic is because of the use of figurative language. It is so abundant in this scene; one can find an example on almost every line. Besides metaphors, Shakespeare also uses personification to his advantage. Romeo says, “With love’s light wings did I o’erperch these walls; for stony limits cannot hold love out, and what love can do, that dares love attempt” (Shakespeare II.2.66-68). Through the use of such figurative language, Shakespeare wins the audience’s full attention as Romeo and Juliet confess their love for each other in the most romantic way possible. He then causes the audience to become doubtful of their love when Juliet says, “This bud of love, by summer’s ripening breath, may prove beauteous flower when next we meet” (Shakespeare II.2.121-122). Juliet is telling Romeo that everything is happening too fast; they should wait and see if their love is real and maybe it will grow. The extremely romantic scene ends with Romeo’s marriage proposal to Juliet and the audience must wait to see how everything will unravel.