Balcony Scene and The Gray Eyed –Morn Romeo & Juliet Act 2:2 and Act 2: Shakespeare’s Language Tricks

Imagery A form of description that uses a figure of speech, usually a metaphor It appeals to any of the 5 senses The repeated pattern of images creates a motif “O! she doth teach the torches to burn bright.” (Rom )

Personification Describes an inanimate object as if it had human qualities. Does the object being described have the ability to do that? “The gray-eyed morn smiles on the frowning night”

Our Examples of Personification The paper shredder eats the paper. The sky cries while the sun smiles. The chalkboard screams when it is scratched.

Metaphor Metaphor is a comparison between two objects without using like or as Comparison is made between two unlike things that actually have something in common “check’ring the eastern clouds with streaks of light”

Our Examples of Metaphor The room is a bomb site. The sun is a big yellow ball. You’re a pig. Your love is a blossoming rose.

Simile A simile is a comparison using the words “like” or “as” “And fleckled darkness like a drunkard reels”

Our Examples of Simile You’re as fast as a cheetah. Your heart is as cold as ice. You’re as dumb as a door knob.

Classical Allusion Using classical stories (such as myths or biblical) to make a comparison The reader is expected to know the story being referenced reference to a classical story, religion, work of art, song, or poem. “From forth day’s path and Titan’s fiery wheels”

Our Examples of Classical Allusion He was Herculean. Their love reminds me of Hera’s love. With the speed of Hermes, he ran to save her life.

Imagery A form of description that uses a figure of speech, usually a metaphor It appeals to any of the 5 senses The repeated pattern of images creates a motif “O! she doth teach the torches to burn bright.” (Rom )

Language study activity For each of the following passages: Prepare a summary of the lines Identify examples of language tricks used. How do these tricks enhance the meaning of the passage? Identify the most important line, and be prepared to explain why it is important.