Solichin

Jonathan Solichin

Ms.Barbour

Freshman English p.5

26 May 2008

In the the play Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare, literary devices are used to

convey Romeo and Juliet's feeling for each other. In Act 2 scene 2, many examples of

his intricate uses of literary devices can be clearly seen. Ranging from allusions to

imagery to metaphor and even personification and allegory. Shakespeare's attention to

detail and literary devices allows the play to come alive in many different aspects and

interpretation.

Shakespeare's allusions to Greek mythology and use of personification conveys

how Romeo perceive Juliet as amazing as gods in Greek mythology. In one of Romeo's

earlier soliloquy in act 2 scene 2, he remarks “As is a winged messenger of heaven”

(2.2.31). This interesting imagery and allusion shows how Romeo feels Juliet is as

glorious as an angel and is like Hermes, the winged messenger in Greek mythology. In

one Homeric hymn, Hermes is described as “the bringer of dreams” which is what Juliet

is to Romeo. Later Romeo replies to Juliet “With love's light wing” which is a

personification and an allusion to Cupid, the god of love in Greek mythology (2.2.71). In

this quote, Romeo tells Juliet that with Cupid's help he was able to be with her because

Cupid had made him fall in love with her. It also personifies how Romeo's feeling of love

toward Juliet made him feel like he is on air, like he has wings and that he can fly.
 Solichin

Shakespeare also uses literary devices based on nature such as metaphor and

allegory to show how Juliet thinks that Romeo's love is ever changing and

unpredictable, just like nature. When Romeo tells Juliet that his love for her will be

sworn by the moon, she replies “O, swear not by the moon, th' inconstant moon”

(2.2.114). This allegory symbolizes how Romeo's love seems to always change and is

never still. Juliet knows that Romeo isn't very rash and she wants to make sure that

Romeo's love for her is not just an infatuation. Later in the conversation, she also

declares to him that his love is “too rash, too unadvised, too sudden, / Too like the

lightning, which doth cease to be” (2.2.125-126). This metaphor shows how Juliet is

rational which contrast Romeo's rashness. Juliet is very careful and wants Romeo to

change from his norm and be more rational so that he will stay longer unlike lightning

which disappears faster before you can say “lightning!”.

There are many literary devices in this scene, and for each there are many

interpretation. The types of devices ranges from imagery, to allusion, to personification,

to allegory and metaphor. The details Shakespeare had laid in the story is what makes it

complex and realistic. Of course, the best thing is, there is no right answer. The

meaning of the play, is defined by the audience; and to each, their own.