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Blank Verses in Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare Essay

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“Epic, Passionate and Poetic.” Romeo and Juliet is written in blank verse. This simply means “unrhymed iambic pentameter.” For example, Two households, both alike in dignity In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life. It may seem “melodramatic”, but it’s perfect for the play. Shakespeare makes it work by the plot actually living up to the hype (Romeo and Juliet Writing Style). “It truly entices the heart of the reader as they empathize with the protagonists’ universal, unconditional and ideal romance, the portrayal of perfect, undying love that is captured …show more content…

Shakespeare really stresses in all these scenes the ease in which messages can go wrong (Huntley). When Romeo finds out about Juliet’s “death” he believes he has all the facts. He suddenly makes the decision to kill himself, aided by poison. “Romeos best speech is perhaps the one he delivers in the tomb; with it he gives dignity, meaning, and finality to the one act he plans and executes” (Huntley). The speech and characters of the play have been depicted all throughout music, literature, dance, and theater. There’s a certain musical flow and intense alternation of mood that enliven the speech. Mercutio is a big part of this. When Romeo needs guidance, Mercutio is there quickly giving him advice worth hearing. In fact, some believe the wisest words in the entire play are said by him. Why, is not this better now than groaning for love? Now art though sociable, now art thou Romeo; Now art thou what thou art, by art as well as by nature. These words are also said to be the most ironic. Romeo here has not found his identity and doesn’t truly find it except for in those spontaneous moments he shares with Juliet. Mercutio has plenty dialogue but is commonly known for his passionate repetition of “A plague a’both your houses!” right before his death. The main concern for the two lovers though is keeping their marriage secret. They hope to one day bring peace among the feuding families but are distraught. In Juliet’s balcony speech you hear this concern. O

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