Romeo and Juliet: Literary Terms You Need to Know! BLANK VERSE: Non-rhyming poetry, usually written in iambic pentameter. Iambic Pentameter: A poetic meter wherein each line contains ten syllables, as five repetitions of a two-syllable pattern in which the pronunciation emphasis is on the second syllable Aside: An actor’s speech, directed to the audience, that is not supposed to be heard by the other actors on the stage. It is used to show what a character is about to do or is thinking.

Romeo and Juliet: Literary Terms You Need to Know! Couplet: A style of poetry defined as a complete thought written in two lines with rhyming ends. So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, So long as lives this, and gives life to thee. By using the couplet, Shakespeare would often signal the end of a scene in his plays. Tragedy: Where a story ends with a negative outcome which was essentially unavoidable, usually caused by a flaw in the central character’s personality. In most tragedies, the main characters are “better” people who fall from grace.

Romeo and Juliet: Literary Terms You Need to Know! Comedy: Film or dramatic work depicting the uphill struggle and eventual success of a sympathetic hero or heroine; usually about ordinary people in difficult predicaments. FOIL: A character who is meant to represent characteristics, values, ideas, etc which are opposed to those of another character, usually the protagonist.

Romeo and Juliet: Literary Terms You Need to Know! Soliloquy: Where a character is delivering a monologue. He is generally alone on stage, but not always. Shakespeare used the soliloquy to great effect to express some of the personal thoughts and emotions of characters without resorting to third person narration. Sonnet: A lyrical form consisting of fourteen lines of iambic pentameter and exhibiting a regular rhyme scheme.

Romeo and Juliet: Literary Terms You Need to Know! When I consider how my light is spent Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide And that one talent which is death to hide Lodged with me useless, though my soul is more bent To serve therewith my Maker, and present My true account, lest he returning chide; “Doth God exact day-labor, light denied?” I fondly ask; but patience to prevent That murmur, soon replies, “God doth not need Either man’s work or his own gifts; who best Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state Is kingly. Thousands at his bidding speed And post o’er land and ocean without rest: They also serve who only stand and wait.” - John Milton, “When I Consider How My Light is Spent” Iambic pentameter 14 lines long Is this blank verse? NO! (it rhymes) Is a couplet used? NO! The rhyming lines are not together.