“Gallop apace, you fiery-footed steeds,”
Explanation: Juliet is speaking to the horses that pull the chariot of the sun, asking them to speed up. She wants the day to end quickly so that night can arrive and she can be with Romeo.
Analysis: She refers to the horses as “fiery-footed,” using a metaphor to describe their speed and energy. This evokes an image of the sun rushing across the sky.
“Towards Phoebus’ lodging.”
Explanation: Phoebus is another name for the Sun God in Greek mythology. Juliet is calling for the sun to hurry and reach its resting place in the west, signaling the end of the day.
Analysis: This is a classical reference to Greek mythology, showing Juliet’s romantic and poetic nature.
“Such a wagoner as Phaëton would whip you to the west”
Explanation: Phaëton, in Greek mythology, was the son of the sun god Helios. He tried to drive the sun’s chariot but lost control, causing chaos. Juliet wishes that such a fast driver could push the sun to the west quickly.
Analysis: Juliet is comparing the current sun’s speed to that of Phaëton’s reckless chariot ride, implying she wants the day to end quickly but with less danger.
“And bring in cloudy night immediately.”
Explanation: She desires the night to come right away to be with Romeo.
Analysis: The word “cloudy” suggests that night will provide some mystery and cover for her and Romeo’s secret love.
“Spread thy close curtain, love-performing night,”
Explanation: Juliet compares the night to a “close curtain” that will hide their love. The night, for her, is like a performer ready to set the stage for their love.
Analysis: This is a metaphor where night is described as a curtain being drawn to create a private space for lovers. It personifies the night as something active and willing to assist their love.
“That runaways’ eyes may wink, and Romeo”
Explanation: Juliet is asking that the night help lovers, like herself, who wish to remain unseen. “Runaways’ eyes” refers to people who need to hide or escape, like she and Romeo do.
Analysis: This line uses personification, giving the night the power to “wink” or close the eyes of those who might see Romeo and Juliet.
“Leap to these arms, untalked of and unseen.”
Explanation: Juliet hopes that Romeo will leap into her arms, and that their love will remain secret and unspoken.
Analysis: The phrase “untalked of and unseen” emphasizes the secrecy and intensity of their love, which must remain hidden.
“Lovers can see to do their amorous rites”
Explanation: Juliet is saying that lovers can perform their romantic actions, such as kissing and embracing, even without the light of day.
Analysis: The term “amorous rites” refers to intimate acts of love, and Juliet is stating that love can exist in the dark, untouched by society’s judgments.
“By their own beauties, or, if love be blind,”
Explanation: Juliet suggests that love is so powerful that it does not need the light to guide it—lovers can see each other’s beauty even in the dark. Or, she says, if love is blind, it doesn’t matter anyway.
Analysis: This is a reflection on the nature of love, which transcends external appearances and even requires no sight.
“It best agrees with night.”
Explanation: She believes that love and night are perfectly matched, as night provides the cover and secrecy needed for love to flourish.
Analysis: This line reinforces Juliet’s desire for privacy and the way she idealizes the night as a partner in her love affair.
“Come, civil night, Thou sober-suited matron all in black,”
Explanation: Juliet calls upon night as a “civil” (respectable) figure, describing it as a woman in sober black clothing. Night is like a matron—formal, calm, and dignified.
Analysis: This metaphor further personifies the night as a nurturing, protective figure, which contrasts with the brightness and harshness of the day.
“And learn me how to lose a winning match Played for a pair of stainless maidenhoods.”
Explanation: Juliet asks the night to teach her how to “lose” her virginity, something that in her society would be seen as a loss. She compares her virginity to a “winning match,” something valuable and pure.
Analysis: This line uses irony. Juliet considers losing her virginity to Romeo a “loss” in terms of society’s values, but she sees it as a necessary step in her love.
“Hood my unmanned blood, bating in my cheeks,”
Explanation: Juliet asks the night to cover her blush, which reveals her feelings of desire. The phrase “unmanned blood” suggests her blood is rushing to her cheeks, making her feel vulnerable.
Analysis: This is a metaphor for her growing passion and the physical signs of desire that she wishes to hide from the world.
“With thy black mantle till strange love grow bold,”
Explanation: Juliet wants the night to cover her in its “black mantle” (a metaphor for the night’s cloak) so that her love for Romeo can become stronger and more fearless.
Analysis: This line ties back to the idea that night acts as a protector and an enabler of love.
“Think true love acted simple modesty.”
Explanation: Juliet hopes that by acting under the cover of night, their love will be pure and modest, even though it defies social conventions.
Analysis: There is irony here—Juliet’s actions are anything but modest, but she hopes her love will be viewed as pure and innocent.
“Come, night. Come, Romeo. Come, thou day in night,”
Explanation: Juliet calls for the night to come, and for Romeo to join her. She wishes for a day that is also night, blending the two together so that her love can flourish.
Analysis: This is an oxymoron (“day in night”), as Juliet wishes to combine the brightness of day with the secrecy of night, creating an ideal environment for their love.
“For thou wilt lie upon the wings of night Whiter than new snow upon a raven’s back.”
Explanation: Juliet imagines Romeo coming to her as a figure of purity (whiter than snow) against the dark backdrop of night (raven’s back).
Analysis: This is a beautiful simile, comparing Romeo’s purity to the contrast of white snow against a black raven, evoking both purity and darkness together.
“Come, gentle night; come, loving black-browed night,”
Explanation: Juliet continues calling for the night to come, addressing it as “gentle” and “loving,” showing her tenderness and yearning for the night’s embrace.
Analysis: The adjectives here (gentle, loving, black-browed) reinforce Juliet’s idealization of the night as a soft, maternal figure.
“Give me my Romeo, and when I shall die, Take him and cut him out in little stars,”
Explanation: Juliet asks the night to give her Romeo, and when she dies, she wants him to be transformed into stars that will adorn the sky.
Analysis: This is a metaphor for eternal love. Juliet wishes for Romeo to be immortalized in the stars after her death, so that their love will never fade.
“And he will make the face of heaven so fine That all the world will be in love with night And pay no worship to the garish sun.”
Explanation: Juliet imagines that if Romeo were in the stars, the beauty of the night would make everyone fall in love with it, abandoning the harsh daylight.
Analysis: This is a hyperbolic and romantic image of Romeo as so beautiful that he would outshine the sun, turning night into something more desirable than the day.
“O, I have bought the mansion of a love But not possessed it, and, though I am sold, Not yet enjoyed.”
Explanation: Juliet feels as though she has acquired the “mansion” of love (metaphorically speaking, she has fallen in love) but has not yet experienced its full joys.
Analysis: The metaphor of “buying a mansion” suggests that Juliet has committed to love but has not yet reaped its rewards.
“So tedious is this day As is the night before some festival To an impatient child that hath new robes And may not wear them.”
Explanation: Juliet compares the waiting for Romeo to the impatience of a child who has new clothes but must wait before wearing them.
Analysis: This simile emphasizes Juliet’s impatience and longing. The comparison to a child highlights her youthful excitement and desire to experience her love
JULIET
O, here comes my nurse, And she brings news, and every tongue that speaks But Romeo’s name speaks heavenly eloquence. Now, nurse, what news? What hast thou there? The cords That Romeo bid thee fetch?
Explanation: Juliet is eagerly awaiting the Nurse, who has been sent to fetch a rope ladder from Romeo. Juliet is so consumed with thoughts of Romeo that she believes any word spoken about him sounds like poetry. She quickly asks the Nurse if she has the rope ladder.
Language Devices:
Metaphor: “every tongue that speaks but Romeo’s name speaks heavenly eloquence” – Here, Juliet compares the mention of Romeo’s name to heavenly music, emphasizing how much she loves him.
Rhetorical Question: She asks, “What hast thou there?” implying her impatience.
NURSE
Ay, ay, the cords.
(Dropping the rope ladder.)
Explanation: The Nurse confirms she has the rope ladder but doesn’t say anything more.
Language Devices:
Symbolism: The rope ladder is a symbol of Juliet’s desire to escape with Romeo. It represents her secret plans for love, freedom, and defying family expectations.
JULIET
Ay me, what news? Why dost thou wring thy hands?
Explanation: Juliet is confused and alarmed by the Nurse’s behavior. The Nurse is wringing her hands, which is a sign of distress. Juliet wonders why the Nurse is acting so strangely.
Language Devices:
Dramatic Irony: Juliet doesn’t know the terrible news yet, but the audience can sense something is wrong from the Nurse’s actions.
NURSE
Ah weraday, he’s dead, he’s dead, he’s dead! We are undone, lady, we are undone. Alack the day, he’s gone, he’s killed, he’s dead.
Explanation: The Nurse breaks the news that Romeo is dead. Her repetition of “he’s dead” emphasizes her sorrow. She believes this tragedy will ruin everything.
Language Devices:
Repetition: The Nurse repeats “he’s dead” to stress the gravity of the news.
Exclamation: “Ah weraday” is an expression of grief, showing the Nurse’s emotional distress.
JULIET
Can heaven be so envious?
Explanation: Juliet is in disbelief and questions whether heaven, symbolizing divine forces, could be so cruel as to take Romeo away. This reflects her shock and despair.
Language Devices:
Personification: “Heaven” is personified as something capable of being envious or malicious.
Rhetorical Question: Juliet is not asking for an answer but expressing her confusion at the situation.
NURSE
Romeo can, Though heaven cannot. O Romeo, Romeo, Whoever would have thought it? Romeo!
Explanation: The Nurse says that Romeo is capable of anything, even causing his own death, but heaven (which usually represents good and pure things) couldn’t have willed this. She repeats his name, still in shock.
Language Devices:
Repetition: The name “Romeo” is repeated to emphasize her grief and disbelief.
Irony: Heaven is usually good, but in this case, it seems cruel.
JULIET
What devil art thou that dost torment me thus? This torture should be roared in dismal hell. Hath Romeo slain himself? Say thou but “Ay,” And that bare vowel “I” shall poison more Than the death-darting eye of cockatrice. I am not I if there be such an “I,” Or those eyes shut that makes thee answer “Ay.” If he be slain, say “Ay,” or if not, “No.” Brief sounds determine my weal or woe.
Explanation: Juliet is horrified and thinks the Nurse is playing some cruel joke on her. She says that if Romeo is dead, the mere sound of the word “Ay” (yes) would be more painful than death itself. She demands a clear answer.
Language Devices:
Metaphor: “that bare vowel ‘I’ shall poison more than the death-darting eye of cockatrice” – Juliet compares the word “I” (yes) to poison, implying that hearing Romeo is dead would be more deadly than a venomous snake’s bite.
Allusion: The “cockatrice” is a mythical serpent whose gaze could kill, emphasizing the severity of the news.
Rhetorical Question: Juliet’s questions show her confusion and desperation.
NURSE
I saw the wound. I saw it with mine eyes (God save the mark!) here on his manly breast— A piteous corse, a bloody piteous corse, Pale, pale as ashes, all bedaubed in blood, All in gore blood. I swoonèd at the sight.
Explanation: The Nurse describes the gruesome image of Romeo’s body, explaining how she saw him wounded, covered in blood, and pale. She was so horrified that she fainted at the sight.
Language Devices:
Repetition: “Piteous” and “blood” are repeated to emphasize the gruesome nature of the scene.
Imagery: The description of Romeo’s body is vivid, creating a disturbing image in the reader’s mind.
JULIET
O break, my heart, poor bankrout, break at once! To prison, eyes; ne’er look on liberty. Vile earth to earth resign; end motion here, And thou and Romeo press one heavy bier.
Explanation: Juliet is devastated, wishing for her heart to break immediately. She wishes her eyes would stop seeing the world, and that she could join Romeo in death. The “heavy bier” refers to the funeral bier, a symbol of death.
Language Devices:
Metaphor: “Break, my heart, poor bankrout” – She compares her heart to a bankrupt person, unable to function any longer.
Oxymoron: “Vile earth to earth resign” – She wants to give up her life to the earth, emphasizing her despair.
Alliteration: “Press one heavy bier” – The repetition of the ‘b’ sound creates a sense of finality.
NURSE
O Tybalt, Tybalt, the best friend I had! O courteous Tybalt, honest gentleman, That ever I should live to see thee dead!
Explanation: The Nurse is mourning Tybalt’s death as well, calling him her “best friend” and a “courteous gentleman.” She’s lamenting how she never expected to live through such a tragic event.
Language Devices:
Repetition: The name “Tybalt” is repeated to emphasize her sorrow.
Irony: The Nurse describes Tybalt, who is known for being aggressive, as a “courteous” and “honest” gentleman, showing her shock and sadness.
JULIET
What storm is this that blows so contrary?
Explanation: Juliet is asking why fate is so cruel, questioning the storm of emotions and events that have turned against her. She is stunned by the chaos around her.
Language Devices:
Metaphor: The “storm” represents the emotional turmoil and the sudden tragic events in Juliet’s life.
Rhetorical Question: She is expressing her frustration with fate, not expecting an answer.
JULIET
Is Romeo slaughtered and is Tybalt dead? My dearest cousin, and my dearer lord? Then, dreadful trumpet, sound the general doom, For who is living if those two are gone?
Explanation: Juliet is in utter disbelief, asking if both Romeo and Tybalt are dead. Tybalt is her cousin, and Romeo is her new husband. She cannot fathom how she can continue living in a world where both of them are gone.
Language Devices:
Rhetorical Question: Juliet questions the possibility of life without the two men.
Metaphor: “Dreadful trumpet” symbolizes the inevitable, tragic end of the situation.
Exaggeration: Her despair leads her to question the very meaning of life without both Romeo and Tybalt.
NURSE
Tybalt is gone and Romeo banishèd. Romeo that killed him—he is banishèd.
Explanation: The Nurse confirms the tragic reality: Tybalt is dead, and Romeo has been banished for killing him. She clarifies that Romeo’s exile is the punishment for the act of killing Tybalt.
Language Devices:
Irony: The Nurse’s words reveal the ironic twist that Romeo, the one Juliet loves, is both her salvation (since he’s her husband) and her cause of grief (due to his killing of Tybalt).
JULIET
O God, did Romeo’s hand shed Tybalt’s blood?
Explanation: Juliet is in complete shock. She cannot believe that Romeo, the man she loves, has killed her cousin, Tybalt.
Language Devices:
Exclamation: The use of “O God” expresses her intense shock and distress.
NURSE
It did, it did, alas the day, it did.
Explanation: The Nurse confirms that Romeo killed Tybalt, further deepening Juliet’s grief and confusion.
Language Devices:
Repetition: The repetition of “it did” emphasizes the harshness of the truth.
JULIET
O serpent heart hid with a flow’ring face! Did ever dragon keep so fair a cave? Beautiful tyrant, fiend angelical! Dove-feathered raven, wolvish-ravening lamb! Despisèd substance of divinest show! Just opposite to what thou justly seem’st, A damnèd saint, an honorable villain.
Explanation: Juliet is torn between her love for Romeo and the reality of his actions. She uses paradoxical and oxymoronic images to describe him—”serpent heart,” “beautiful tyrant,” “fiend angelical”—showing the internal conflict between the “angelic” qualities she admires and the “fiendish” act of murder.
Language Devices:
Oxymoron: These contradictory descriptions highlight Juliet’s confusion and deep emotional turmoil.
Metaphor: “Serpent heart” refers to a dangerous, deceptive nature hidden behind a beautiful appearance, while “dragon” and “dove-feathered raven” continue the contrast of beauty and danger.
JULIET
O nature, what hadst thou to do in hell When thou didst bower the spirit of a fiend In mortal paradise of such sweet flesh?
Explanation: Juliet is questioning how such a beautiful and pure person like Romeo could possess such a “fiendish” nature, capable of killing Tybalt. She wonders how nature (or God) could allow this evil to dwell in such a good-looking man.
Language Devices:
Rhetorical Question: Juliet asks how such a contradiction could exist in the world, expressing her despair and confusion.
Metaphor: “Mortal paradise” refers to Romeo’s physical beauty and charm, while “fiend” implies the darker side of his actions.
JULIET
Was ever book containing such vile matter So fairly bound? O, that deceit should dwell In such a gorgeous palace!
Explanation: Juliet compares Romeo to a book, lamenting how a seemingly beautiful exterior (his appearance) can hide such “vile matter” (his actions).
Language Devices:
Metaphor: The book represents Romeo’s character, with its “vile matter” hidden beneath a fair “cover.”
Alliteration: “Fairly bound” and “deceit should dwell” create a rhythmic emphasis on Juliet’s lament.
NURSE
There’s no trust, No faith, no honesty in men. All perjured, All forsworn, all naught, all dissemblers. Ah, where’s my man? Give me some aqua vitae. These griefs, these woes, these sorrows make me old. Shame come to Romeo!
Explanation: The Nurse is expressing general disillusionment with men, lamenting their dishonesty and deceit. She’s frustrated by Romeo’s actions and wishes for something to ease her grief (aqua vitae, a form of alcohol).
Language Devices:
Repetition: “All” is repeated to emphasize her bitterness toward men.
Metaphor: “Aqua vitae” (water of life) symbolizes her need for something to numb her pain.
JULIET
Blistered be thy tongue For such a wish! He was not born to shame. Upon his brow shame is ashamed to sit, For ’tis a throne where honor may be crowned Sole monarch of the universal Earth.
Explanation: Juliet angrily defends Romeo, cursing the Nurse for speaking ill of him. She asserts that Romeo’s actions were not shameful, as he carries honor on his brow like a king. She refuses to let anyone tarnish his name.
Language Devices:
Metaphor: “Upon his brow shame is ashamed to sit” means that Romeo’s honor is so strong that shame cannot touch him.
Hyperbole: The description of honor crowning Romeo as a “monarch” exaggerates his elevated status in Juliet’s eyes.
NURSE
Will you speak well of him that killed your cousin?
Explanation: The Nurse, frustrated by Juliet’s defense of Romeo, questions whether Juliet will continue to support the man who killed her cousin, Tybalt.
Language Devices:
Rhetorical Question: The Nurse is challenging Juliet’s feelings and causing her to confront the conflict.
JULIET
Shall I speak ill of him that is my husband? Ah, poor my lord, what tongue shall smooth thy name When I, thy three-hours wife, have mangled it? But wherefore, villain, didst thou kill my cousin? That villain cousin would have killed my husband. Back, foolish tears, back to your native spring; Your tributary drops belong to woe, Which you, mistaking, offer up to joy. My husband lives, that Tybalt would have slain, And Tybalt’s dead, that would have slain my husband.
- Explanation: Juliet defends Romeo, stating that she cannot speak ill of him because he is her husband. She expresses her internal conflict, acknowledging that Tybalt would have killed Romeo if given the chance, and since Romeo killed Tybalt in self-defense, she ultimately feels he did the right thing.
- Language Devices:
- Antithesis: The conflict between her grief for Tybalt’s death and her love for Romeo is represented in the line “My husband lives, that Tybalt would have slain.”
- Metaphor: “Foolish tears” represents the emotional confusion Juliet feels, and “tributary drops belong to woe” suggests that her tears should belong to grief, not joy.
- Reversal: Juliet shifts from grief for Tybalt’s death to an understanding of Romeo’s actions as self-defense.
JULIET
All this is comfort. Wherefore weep I then? Some word there was, worser than Tybalt’s death, That murdered me. I would forget it fain, But, O, it presses to my memory Like damnèd guilty deeds to sinners’ minds: “Tybalt is dead and Romeo banishèd.” That “banishèd,” that one word “banishèd,” Hath slain ten thousand Tybalts. Tybalt’s death Was woe enough if it had ended there.
- Explanation: Juliet acknowledges that the news of Tybalt’s death and Romeo’s banishment is devastating, but it is Romeo’s banishment that haunts her more. She compares the weight of this news to the guilt that sinners feel for their crimes, showing how the word “banishèd” tortures her mind.
- Language Devices:
- Metaphor: The comparison to “damnèd guilty deeds” emphasizes the burden that Romeo’s banishment places on Juliet.
- Repetition: The repetition of “banishèd” highlights how the word itself is more unbearable than Tybalt’s death.
- Hyperbole: Juliet exaggerates the impact of Romeo’s banishment, saying that it has “slain ten thousand Tybalts.”
JULIET
Or, if sour woe delights in fellowship And needly will be ranked with other griefs, Why followed not, when she said “Tybalt’s dead,” “Thy father” or “thy mother,” nay, or both, Which modern lamentation might have moved?
- Explanation: Juliet wonders why her grief for Romeo wasn’t addressed alongside Tybalt’s death. She suggests that if sorrow finds comfort in company, why not have included the deaths of her parents in the same breath, as that would have been a more fitting expression of grief.
- Language Devices:
- Rhetorical Question: Juliet questions why her grief is compounded by the additional sorrow of Romeo’s banishment.
- Contrast: She contrasts the traditional mourning for parents with the uniqueness of her situation.
JULIET
But with a rearward following Tybalt’s death, “Romeo is banishèd.” To speak that word Is father, mother, Tybalt, Romeo, Juliet, All slain, all dead. “Romeo is banishèd.” There is no end, no limit, measure, bound, In that word’s death. No words can that woe sound.
- Explanation: Juliet feels that the word “banishèd” is more devastating than the death of Tybalt, or even her parents. She expresses that Romeo’s banishment robs her of everything—her family, her love, and her future. This word marks the end of her world, with no possible end to her suffering.
- Language Devices:
- Metaphor: The word “banishèd” is personified as a death itself, more final and irreversible than physical death.
- Repetition: The repetition of “banishèd” underscores how much this word has taken away from her.
- Hyperbole: Juliet exaggerates the gravity of Romeo’s banishment, saying it “slain” her family and Romeo.
JULIET
Where is my father and my mother, nurse?
- Explanation: Juliet seeks her parents, hoping to find some comfort in their presence. Her question highlights her isolation, as her grief over Romeo’s banishment is overwhelming, and she feels lost without her family.
- Language Devices:
- Rhetorical Question: Juliet asks where her parents are, reflecting her deep sense of abandonment and confusion.
NURSE
Weeping and wailing over Tybalt’s corse. Will you go to them? I will bring you thither.
- Explanation: The Nurse informs Juliet that her parents are mourning Tybalt’s death, suggesting that Juliet join them in their grief.
- Language Devices:
- Alliteration: The repeated “w” sounds in “weeping” and “wailing” emphasize the sorrowful atmosphere.
JULIET
Wash they his wounds with tears? Mine shall be spent, When theirs are dry, for Romeo’s banishment.
- Explanation: Juliet compares the mourning for Tybalt’s death with her own, declaring that her tears will only be spent for Romeo’s banishment after her parents’ grief over Tybalt has subsided.
- Language Devices:
- Metaphor: The comparison of tears to “washing” implies that Juliet’s grief for Romeo can never be fully cleansed, unlike the mourning for Tybalt.
JULIET
Take up those cords. Poor ropes, you are beguiled, Both you and I, for Romeo is exiled. He made you for a highway to my bed, But I, a maid, die maiden-widowèd. Come, cords—come, nurse. I’ll to my wedding bed, And death, not Romeo, take my maidenhead!
Explanation: Juliet refers to the rope ladder that was meant to allow Romeo to visit her, lamenting that it was meant for their wedding night, but now, because of Romeo’s banishment, it is useless. She dramatically declares that she will die a “maiden-widow,” implying that death is a preferable alternative to living without Romeo.
Language Devices:
Metaphor: The “ropes” represent the connection between Juliet and Romeo, which now seems useless.
Oxymoron: The term “maiden-widow” combines the idea of being an unmarried girl with the sorrow of being a widow, symbolizing Juliet’s feeling of being caught between life and death.
Hyperbole: Juliet exaggerates her grief by declaring that she would rather die than live without Romeo.
NURSE
Hie to your chamber. I’ll find Romeo To comfort you. I wot well where he is. Hark you, your Romeo will be here at night. I’ll to him. He is hid at Lawrence’ cell.
Explanation: The Nurse tries to offer some comfort by telling Juliet that Romeo will be with her soon, hidden at Friar Laurence’s cell.
Language Devices:
Foreshadowing: The Nurse’s words hint at Romeo’s return, setting up the events that will lead to Juliet’s ultimate decision.
JULIET
O, find him! Giving the Nurse a ring. Give this ring to my true knight And bid him come to take his last farewell.
Explanation: Juliet gives the Nurse a ring to deliver to Romeo, asking her to find him so they can say their final goodbye. She recognizes that their time together may be running out.
Language Devices:
Metaphor: Romeo is referred to as her “true knight,” emphasizing his status as her true love and protector.
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