Eliott Becker
Mr. Davis
English II
3 November 2023
Mid-Unit Assessment
In Shakespeare’s “The Most Excellent and Lamentable Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet,” he uses methods such as metaphors and allusions to develop the characters of Romeo and Juliet. This character development helps refine central ideas like the pursuit of love and individual identity.
For example, Romeo states that Juliet should “let them (his family) find me here. My life were better ended by their hate than death prorogued, wanting of thy love.” (2.2.76-78) This essentially means that Romeo would rather die than be refused of Juliet’s love for being a Montague. This refines the theme of individual identity (Romeo’s love for Juliet) vs. group identity. (The Montague-Capulet rivalry)
In addition to this theme of individual identity, we also have a theme of the pursuit of love. Shakespeare uses many metaphors to show how in love Romeo is with Juliet. For example, he states that “By love, that first did prompt me to enquire. He lent me counsel, and I lent him eyes.” (2.2.80-81) In this statement, Romeo is essentially saying that it was love that led him to Juliet’s courtyard, and he tries his best to prove how much he is in love with her.
In conclusion, Shakespeare uses many metaphors to define the central ideas of his plays, and Romeo and Juliet is no exception to this wonderful use of figurative language to develop his ideas in the text.