Literary Devices In Romeo And Juliet

William Shakespeare is known for an abundance of literary terms and devices present in his writing. Different devices like similes, metaphors, soliloquys, etc. can all be found in his writing – especially Romeo and Juliet. In Act Two, Scene Two, the ever popular balcony scene takes place in Romeo and Juliet. In that short scene, there are thousands of different literary devices used to fully express Romeo and Juliet’s love for each other.
To begin with, one of the first literary device that you can spot is a soliloquy. A soliloquy is when one character speaks their thoughts and feelings without the other characters knowing. In this scene Romeo says, “But soft! What light through yonder window breaks?... …O that I were a glove upon her hand, …show more content…
Similes are a comparison between two thinks using the words “like” or “as.” In Romeo and Juliet, Juliet compares her love with Romeo to lightning. The script says, “Well, do not swear. Although I joy in thee, I have no joy of this contract tonight. It is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden; Too like the lightning, which doth cease to be Ere one can say ‘It lightens.’” (RJ II.ii.116-120) In the text, Juliet mentions how she loves Romeo, but she feels like their love is moving way too fast. In this simile, their love is being compared to lightning – which happens in a flash. This simile fits Romeo and Juliet’s love because they literally fell in love in less than a …show more content…
An oxymoron is two terms that contradict each other. Near the end of the scene, Juliet says, “Sweet, so would I. Yet I should kill thee with much cherishing. Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, That I shall say good night till it be morrow.” (RJ II.ii.183-186) The oxymoron uses is “sweet sorrow.” Juliet is sort of using this term as the word “bittersweet.” This relates to the play because it is the wise choice for Romeo and Juliet to be apart so they don’t get caught. Unfortunately, this causes sorrow for them because they are in love and do not want to be

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