Romeo And Juliet Language Analysis

In the play Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare’s use of stylized language promotes a deeper understanding of Juliet’s struggle with her conflicting feelings for Romeo. Specifically, she shows her adversity through her monologue of paradox. In this scene, her nurse confesses to Juliet that Romeo, her beloved husband, has killed Tybalt, her kinsman. This leaves Juliet conflicted; she doesn’t know what to do, how to act, or who to choose. This passage is important because it not only shows that Juliet is confused about her feelings for Romeo, but also that she feels as though she is a victim of deceit, and for one fleeting moment, is unsure of whether or not she can trust him.

Juliet’s use of oxymorons in her monologue shows both the

As she continues to complain about him, Juliet remarks, “O that deceit should dwell / In such a gorgeous palace” (3.2.90-91). The “gorgeous palace” is symbolic of the part of Romeo that she knows, loves, and admires, where deceit may exist. By giving this quality human traits, Juliet is separating deceit itself from Romeo, decreasing his culpability for his actions. Taking the blame from him, in turn, takes any blame off herself for not realizing that he isn’t the gentleman he seemed and the man that she married. Using personification as a tool to offset responsibility for Romeo’s actions gives Juliet the ability to live with her decision to be with him despite his flaws and his despicable actions against her

By doing this, he not only tells a story, but he adds to Juliet’s character by showing that people by nature are never perfect. Everyone gets confused sometimes, even Juliet, the heroine, who thought she had everything figured out; likewise, nobody has complete control over their life. This humanization helps the audience relate to her imperfection and is one of the reasons that make the play, Romeo and Juliet, so relevant even after its original