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How Does Shakespeare Use Juxtaposition In Romeo And Juliet

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William Shakespeare’s illustrious play, Romeo and Juliet, takes place in Verona, Italy where the readers meet start-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet and watch them meet by fate and fall in love instantly, whilst their parents are mortal enemies who have been fighting for decades. Their confessed love for each other doesn’t last long, as both of them commit suicide for the love of the other. Prior to the passage, Juliet is standing on her balcony as she is talking to herself about Romeo and admits her love for him but little did she know that Romeo was standing right there and head her say all of it. He then goes to her and admits his love for her and they plan to get married the next day. In the passage provided, Shakespeare introduces …show more content…

In this passage, more often than not, he uses juxtaposition to basically convey nature as two thing; good and bad, just like love. As Friar Lawrence is talking about virtues connection with vice, he says, “Within the infant rind of this small flower poison hath residence and medicine power.” This means that in nature, the poison had the power to heal. This compares to love and hate because of Juliet’s fake-death plan as Friar Lawrence attempts to heal the feud by reversing nature — causing Juliet's "death" in order to bring about acceptance of her life with Romeo. He is trying to save Juliet’s life by “killing” her. Also, he talks about what the rind of the small flower can do for you. He says, “For this, being smelt, with that part cheers each part; being tasted, stays all senses with the heart. Two such opposed kings encamp them still…” This means that when the poison is smelt, you feel good inside but when tasted, you die. There are two opposite elements in everything in nature. They can be good for you but can still kill you in the process. The overall effect on the readers is that it shows us that in nature, something could be perceived as bad but can be put to good use. In love, it is no different because love can be beautiful and great but also can be dangerous and can kill, just like how it killed Romeo and

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