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Literary Devices In Romeo And Juliet

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In the romantic tragedy Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare uses words to create emotions, specifically love, between the two main characters. He also uses words to craft several scenarios where a lack of communication between various characters ultimately ends in tragedy. When Shakespeare uses words in both these ways the tragedy and sense of despair the audience has for the main characters is heightened because the audience cares so much more about the love between the characters. Shakespeare uses words to describe to the audience his undying love for Juliet before they have even met so the audience builds a sense of anticipation and excitement for their first encounter. Then after they have met Shakespeare uses literary techniques like metaphors and sonnets to flirt with Juliet so she falls in love with him. For example, in Act 2, Scene 2, Romeo says, “It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.” With this statement, Romeo is comparing Juliet to the light dawning on his dark night. This is significant because up until Act 2 Scene 6 they haven't seen each other in the light of day and their moments of happiness and love are in the darkness. Shakespeare continues when Romeo describes Juliet just before they meet, "she doth teach the torches to burn bright”. Here, Shakespeare uses words to build anticipation in the audience for the moment when Romeo and Juliet first meet. Another way he develops anticipation and excitement is by delaying their meeting until the end of Act 1. At this

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