foil
A character in literature who has qualities that are in sharp contrast to another character, thus emphasizing that traits of each
ex) Paris is a foil to Romeo
Foreshadowing
refers to hints in the text about what will occur later in the plot
ex) the prologue to Romeo and Juliet forecasts that an old grudge is about to break out in renewed violence
hyperbole
an exaggeration that is not meant to be taken literally
ex) Lord Montague describing Romeo's lovesickness that Romeo locks himself in his room "and makes himself an artificial knight
pun
a play on words that have similar sounds but more than one possible spelling or meaning
ex) Romeo says Mercutio has "nimble soles" but he himself is a "soul of lead
conflict
A struggle between opposing forces
ex) Capulet and Montague families have been at war as long as anyone can remember. Their conflict creates problems for their families as well as Prince Escalus and the other citizens of Verona
metaphor
a direct comparison between things that are not truly alike
ex) Romeo: "But soft, what light yonder window breaks? It is east and Juliet is the sun
Imagery
word pictures that appeal to the five senses
Soliloquy
A long speech expressing the thoughts of a character alone on stage
Theme
the subject of a talk, a piece of writing, a person's thoughts, or an exhibition; a topic.
oxymoron
A figure of speech that combines opposite or contradictory terms in a brief phrase.
Repetition
Repeated use of sounds, words, or ideas for effect and emphasis
comic relief
A humorous scene or speech intended to lighten the mood
ex) Nurse adds ____ to the play
allusion
A reference to another work of literature, person, or event
personification
A figure of speech in which an object or animal is given human feelings, thoughts, or attitudes
Irony
the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.
dramatic irony
when a reader is aware of something that a character isn't
situational irony
wrong place, wrong time
verbal irony
saying one thing but meaning another
tragedy
...
tragic hero
...
tragic flaw
...
Alas that love, so gentle in his view, Should be so tyrannous and rough in proof!
Benvolio
O she doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she hands upon the cheek of night Like a rich jewel in an Ethiope's ear; Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear!
Romeo
O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny they father and refuse they name! Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, And I'll no longer be a Capulet
Juliet
I have night's cloak to hide me from their sight; And but thou love me, let them find me here; My life were better ended by their hate, Than death prorogue, wonting of they love.
Romeo
Doth not rosemary and Romeo begin both with a letter?
Nurse
This, by his voice, should be a Montague. Fetch me my rapier, boy. What dares the slave Come hither, covered with an antic face...
Tybalt
Read o'er the volume of young Paris' face And find there delight writ with beauty's pen! Examine every several lineament And see how one another lends content.
Lady Capulet
My child is yet a stranger in the world; She hath not seen the change of fourteen years.
Lord Capulet
These violent delights have violent ends And in their triumphs die, like fire and powder, Which as they kiss consume: the sweetest honey is loathsome in his own deliciousness...Therefore love moderately: long love doth so; Too swift arrives as tardy as t
Friar Lawrence
What's in a name? That which we call a rose BY any other name would smell as sweet.
Juliet
More that the prince of cats,... He is the courageous captain of compliments... The very butcher of silk buttons.
Mercutio
It is my lady; O, it is my love! O, that she knew she were.
Romeo
Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, That I shall say good night till it be morrow.
Juliet
If you ever disturb out the streets again, Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace.
Prince
If I profane with my unworthiest hand This holy shrine, the gentle fine is this: my lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand To smooth that rough touch with tender kiss.
Romeo
Give my a case to put my visage in. A visor for a visor! What care I What curious eye doth quote deformities? Here are the beetle brows shall blush for me.
Mercutio
On Lamma's Eve at night shall be fourteen. That shall she, marry, I remember it well. 'Tis since the earthquake now eleven years..
Nurse
...She'll not be hit with Cupid's arrow...
Romeo
He bears him like a portly gentleman; And, to say the truth, Verona brags of him To be a virtuous and well gover'd youth.
Lord Capulet
My only love, sprung from my only hate! Too early seen unknown and known too late.
Juliet
O, mickle is the powerful grace that lies in herbs, pants, stones, and their true qualities: ...Virtue itself turns vice, being misapplied; And vice sometimes by action dignified.
Friar Lawrence
Wisely and slow. They stumble that run fast.
Friar Lawrence
Gallop apace, you fiery-footed steeds, Towards Phoebus' lodging; such a waggoner As Phaethon would whip you to the west And bring in cloudy night immediately.
Juliet