1. Romeo and Juliet Literary Terms

2. Tragic Hero The protagonist, or central character The protagonist, or central character Usually fails or dies because of a character flaw or cruel twist of fate Usually fails or dies because of a character flaw or cruel twist of fate Has high social status Has high social status Shows strength while facing his/her destiny Shows strength while facing his/her destiny

3. Foil A character whose personality and attitude contrast sharply with those of another character A character whose personality and attitude contrast sharply with those of another character Highlights both characters’ traits because they are opposites of one another Highlights both characters’ traits because they are opposites of one another

4. Metaphor A figure of speech in which one thing is spoken of as though it were something else…a direct comparison. A figure of speech in which one thing is spoken of as though it were something else…a direct comparison. Example: “Oh speak again bright angel!” Romeo about Juliet Example: “Oh speak again bright angel!” Romeo about Juliet Example: “He’s a man of wax.” Example: “He’s a man of wax.” Nurse about Paris

5. Simile Figure of speech in which “like” or “as” is used to compare two unlike things. Figure of speech in which “like” or “as” is used to compare two unlike things. Example: “Is love a tender thing? It is too rough, too rude, too boist’rous, and it pricks like thorns.” Example: “Is love a tender thing? It is too rough, too rude, too boist’rous, and it pricks like thorns.” Romeo describing love

6. Oxymoron Two unlike words put together to make a strong impact Two unlike words put together to make a strong impact Example: Cold fire, sick health, feather of lead, still waking sleep Example: Cold fire, sick health, feather of lead, still waking sleep Descriptions show Romeo’s conflicting emotions about love

7. Pun Play on words based on different meanings of words that sound alike Play on words based on different meanings of words that sound alike Example: “You have dancing shoes with nimble soles. I have a soul of lead so stakes me to the ground I cannot move.” Example: “You have dancing shoes with nimble soles. I have a soul of lead so stakes me to the ground I cannot move.”Romeo

8. Soliloquy A speech in which a character, alone on stage (or they think they are), expresses his/her thoughts to the audience. This reveals their thoughts and advances the plot A speech in which a character, alone on stage (or they think they are), expresses his/her thoughts to the audience. This reveals their thoughts and advances the plot Example: Juliet speaking about Romeo in the balcony scene of Act II Example: Juliet speaking about Romeo in the balcony scene of Act II

9. Monologue A lengthy speech, but unlike a soliloquy, a monologue is addressed to another character(s), not the audience. A lengthy speech, but unlike a soliloquy, a monologue is addressed to another character(s), not the audience. Example: Mercutio’s “Queen Mab” speech before the Capulet party Example: Mercutio’s “Queen Mab” speech before the Capulet party

10. Aside A short speech or line delivered by an actor to the audience. This reveals the character’s thoughts and the other actors on stage “don’t hear this” (obviously they do, but they pretend that they don’t ) A short speech or line delivered by an actor to the audience. This reveals the character’s thoughts and the other actors on stage “don’t hear this” (obviously they do, but they pretend that they don’t )

11. Motif A repeating theme, idea, or symbol throughout a work. A repeating theme, idea, or symbol throughout a work. Motifs to look for in Romeo and Juliet are: Motifs to look for in Romeo and Juliet are: Light and Dark Imagery Flower Imagery Bird and “Winged” Imagery Dream References Stars and Heavens Imagery

12. Comic Relief Funny scene after a serious scene Funny scene after a serious scene The purpose here is for contrast and enjoyment…to lighten the mood after a serious scene. The purpose here is for contrast and enjoyment…to lighten the mood after a serious scene. Example: Act II scene iv Example: Act II scene iv

13. Dramatic Irony This occurs when a character’s work or actions have one meaning for the character and a different meaning for the audience. This occurs when a character’s work or actions have one meaning for the character and a different meaning for the audience. This occurs when the audience knows more than the character about a situation This occurs when the audience knows more than the character about a situation Example: We know Romeo and Juliet are from enemy families before they do Example: We know Romeo and Juliet are from enemy families before they do