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What Is The Figurative Language In Romeo And Juliet

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It is important for a modern audience to understand that Lord Capulet is reacting in an acceptable way complying with the standards of his society in the 16th century. As previously mentioned, the man of the household would have full control over his daughter, and such a determined refusal to follow an instruction would have been almost unheard of in Shakespearian times. While this does not directly justify Capulet’s violence, it does explain his behavior (Capulet's Treatment of …). An understanding of cultural and historical context and background would help a modern audience understand firstly how reasonable Capulet was at the beginning of the play, but also how his violence and anger towards Juliet could be acceptable …show more content…

There are a few great examples of figurative language being used to express anger in the Prince's speech in the very first scene. The first example is seen when the Prince uses the metaphor, "[p]rofaners of this neighbour-stained steel," to refer to the Montague and Capulet families (I.i.78-79). The word steel in this line metaphorically refers to the blades of their swords while "neighbour-stained steel" metaphorically describes their swords as being stained by their neighbors, or more literally, stained by the blood of their neighbors. Therefore, in this line, the Prince uses this metaphor to accuse the family members of violating their swords by staining them with their neighbors' blood. The Prince uses a second metaphor when he next calls the family members "beasts" (79). In his eyes, and rightly so, these men are no longer acting like men who are thinking, feeling, rational beings; instead, they are acting like "beasts," or animals, who make decisions based on their …show more content…

When they meet in Act III, Mercutio states that “I care not”; that Tybalt is coming and that they must prevent a fight. His language and his words are very inflammatory. In response to Tybalt, he states “a word and a blow”. He deliberately misunderstands/ misinterprets Tybalt’s words “consortst” as an insult. Tybalt deliberately uses the word “consort’st” because of its double meaning. Likewise, Mercutio hates Tybalt and provokes him to a fight when he asks if Tybalt, the “Good King of Cats”, is a coward: “Tybalt, you rat-catcher, will you walk” III,i. Provocatively, Tybalt greets Romeo with the phrase “here comes my man”. Tybalt bears a grudge against Romeo from the time he comes to the ball. He is stubborn and hot-tempered, admitting that he hates “peace” as he hates “hell, all Montagues, and thee.” He says to Romeo, “thou art a villain”, which refers to the fact that he is intended as an insult and refers to a man of inferior birth, as a peasant. He tells Romeo, “turn and draw”. He also feels slighted that Lord Capulet seems to have protected Romeo at the ball. Capulet believes that Romeo is a “virtuous” and “well-govern’d youth” with a good reputation. This seems to fuel Tybalt’s sense of inferiority, and, feeling aggrieved, he constantly looks for an outlet to vent his anger on

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