Exploring Shakespeare: Literary Devices and Themes

Exploring Shakespeare: Literary Devices and Themes

Read the following excerpt from William Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' and answer the questions that follow. Pay close attention to literary devices and thematic elements.

Excerpt from Romeo and Juliet (Act 2, Scene 2)

ROMEO But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun! Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, Who is already sick and pale with grief, That thou her maid art far more fair than she: Be not her maid, since she is envious; Her vestal livery is but sick and green And none but fools do wear it; cast it off. It is my lady; O, it is my love! O, that she knew she were! She speaks, yet she says nothing: what of that? Her eye discourses; I will answer it. I am too bold, 'tis not to me she speaks: Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven, Having some business, do entreat her eyes To twinkle in their spheres till they return. What if her eyes were there, they in her head? The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars, As daylight doth a lamp; her eyes in heaven Would through the airy region stream so bright That birds would sing and think it were not night. See, how she leans her cheek upon her hand! O, that I were a glove upon that hand, That I might touch that cheek!

1. What literary device is primarily used in Romeo's line, "Juliet is the sun"?

2. In the excerpt, Romeo compares Juliet's eyes to  .

3. The 'envious moon' is an example of the literary device known as  .

4. Romeo believes Juliet is aware of his presence outside her window.

5. Explain the significance of Romeo's desire to be a 'glove upon that hand'. What does this reveal about his feelings for Juliet?

Match the literary device to its definition.

9. Discuss how Shakespeare uses imagery of light and dark in this excerpt to convey Romeo's feelings and the overall atmosphere of the scene. Provide specific examples from the text to support your analysis.