Romeo And Juliet Figurative Language Essay

Words: 385
Pages: 2

In Act 2, Scene 2 of his timeless play The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare utilizes romantic dialogue and figurative language in order to characterize Romeo as emotional and impulsive. Romeo, a son of Lord Montague, and Juliet, a Capulet, quickly fall for each other, despite the violent feud between their families. Just hours after meeting his beloved, Romeo boldly sneaks into the Capulet estate and approaches Juliet’s balcony. Juliet, alarmed by his unexpected visit, expresses concern for Romeo’s safety, warning that he’ll surely be killed should “any of … [her] kinsmen find … [him]” (Shakespeare 2.2.71). When asked how he managed to get over the tall garden walls, Romeo affectionately replies that “love’s light wings” allowed him …show more content…
Although Juliet shares similar feelings for Romeo, she isn’t entirely convinced by his elaborate profession of love, fearing that their relationship “is too rash … [and] too sudden; / [too] like the lightning, which doth cease to be” (2.2.126-127). Juliet compares their relationship to lightning, for she is concerned that it will “cease to be” as quickly as it began, similar to how lightning suddenly appears, extremely bright and powerful, before swiftly disappearing (2.2.127). Juliet’s remarks prove her maturity and thoughtfulness, for she is patient and willing to give their “bud of love” enough time to ripen in hopes that it will develop into “a beauteous flow’r” (2.2.129-130). Romeo, on the other hand, is extremely impulsive, often succumbing to his emotions before thinking the situation through. For example, he was so overwhelmed by his love for Juliet, he thoughtlessly risked his life in order to profess his love, despite knowing her less than a day. Therefore, Shakespeare's use of affectionate dialogue and a clever simile portrays Romeo as a passionate, impulsive lover who has difficulty controlling his