ROMEO
He jests at scars that never felt a wound.

• Explanation: Romeo speaks this line as he sees Mercutio making fun of him while he’s deeply in love with Juliet. He reflects that Mercutio can joke about love because he has never been truly hurt by it.
• Analysis: This shows Romeo’s deep emotional engagement with love, contrasting with Mercutio’s mocking view. It also highlights Romeo’s sensitivity and passion.
• Language Technique: Metaphor (“scars that never felt a wound”)—used to show that Mercutio’s laughter is shallow and that he doesn’t understand real love.

Enter Juliet above.

• Explanation: Juliet enters the scene, appearing above Romeo as if on a balcony, which is significant because it symbolizes their separation due to their family feud.
• Analysis: This sets up the visual motif of the lovers separated physically, enhancing their desire to overcome obstacles for love.

ROMEO
But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?

• Explanation: Romeo compares the light coming from Juliet’s window to the dawn, and he uses this imagery to begin his poetic admiration of Juliet.
• Analysis: The metaphor of light suggests purity and beauty, elevating Juliet’s image. Romeo’s speech shows how his love has transformed him into a more poetic, idealistic figure.
• Language Technique: Metaphor (“What light through yonder window breaks?”)—light symbolizes Juliet’s beauty.

It is the East, and Juliet is the sun.

• Explanation: Romeo continues his metaphor, calling Juliet the sun, which suggests that she is the center of his world and the source of light and life.
• Analysis: This is an idealized view of Juliet, casting her as the most important and radiant figure in Romeo’s life.
• Language Technique: Metaphor (Juliet as the sun)—it elevates her to a divine status.

Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,

• Explanation: Romeo urges Juliet to rise, pushing aside the “envious moon,” which symbolizes Rosaline, the woman Romeo previously loved.
• Analysis: This emphasizes Romeo’s new love for Juliet, implying that she is more beautiful than anything else. It also shows Romeo’s sense of urgency and his passion for her.
• Language Technique: Personification (moon as envious) and metaphor (Juliet as the sun).

Who is already sick and pale with grief

• Explanation: The moon (symbolizing Rosaline) is described as sick with grief, reflecting how Romeo now views his former love.
• Analysis: This enhances the contrast between Rosaline’s image and Juliet’s idealized beauty.
• Language Technique: Personification (moon is sick and pale with grief).

That thou, her maid, art far more fair than she.

• Explanation: Romeo says Juliet is more beautiful than Rosaline, who is depicted as the moon.
• Analysis: It reinforces the intensity of Romeo’s new feelings for Juliet and highlights his emotional shift.
• Language Technique: Comparison between Juliet and Rosaline.

Be not her maid since she is envious.

• Explanation: Romeo advises Juliet not to be a servant to the moon (i.e., Rosaline) because she is envious of Juliet’s beauty.
• Analysis: Romeo elevates Juliet’s worth above Rosaline’s, again emphasizing her superiority.
• Language Technique: Personification (moon as envious).

Her vestal livery is but sick and green,

• Explanation: The moon’s (Rosaline’s) “virginal” attire is described as sickly and green, symbolizing jealousy.
• Analysis: The use of the color green, which is often associated with envy, reinforces Romeo’s disdain for Rosaline.
• Language Technique: Imagery (green livery)—colors symbolize emotions.

And none but fools do wear it. Cast it off.

• Explanation: Romeo tells Juliet to reject the moon’s (Rosaline’s) influence, as it only represents foolishness.
• Analysis: This further emphasizes how deeply Romeo has fallen for Juliet and his disregard for his past love.
• Language Technique: Imperative (cast it off)—encourages action.

It is my lady. O, it is my love!

• Explanation: Romeo exclaims that the woman he sees is Juliet, the one he loves.
• Analysis: The excitement and intensity of Romeo’s feelings are evident. It highlights the immediacy of his emotions.
• Language Technique: Repetition (“It is my love”)—shows certainty and passion.

O, that she knew she were!

• Explanation: Romeo wishes that Juliet knew how much he loved her.
• Analysis: This conveys his yearning and desire for Juliet’s affection, emphasizing his vulnerability.
• Language Technique: Exclamation to show longing.

She speaks, yet she says nothing. What of that?

• Explanation: Romeo notes that Juliet is speaking, but he focuses on the beauty of her presence rather than the content of her words.
• Analysis: This shows how Romeo idealizes Juliet and is more focused on her beauty and the magic of the moment than anything else.
• Language Technique: Rhetorical question—Romeo doesn’t need her to speak for him to be enamored.

Her eye discourses; I will answer it.

• Explanation: Romeo believes that Juliet’s eyes are speaking to him, and he intends to respond to them.
• Analysis: This line demonstrates the depth of Romeo’s connection to Juliet; he interprets her gaze as a form of communication.
• Language Technique: Personification (her eye discourses).

I am too bold. ’Tis not to me she speaks.

• Explanation: Romeo catches himself, realizing that Juliet is not speaking to him, but he is still caught up in the intensity of the moment.
• Analysis: This line demonstrates Romeo’s self-awareness and his growing sense of courage in the face of his emotions.
• Language Technique: Self-reflection—Romeo questions his own actions.

Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven,

• Explanation: Romeo imagines Juliet’s eyes as two stars, highlighting their brilliance and beauty.
• Analysis: By comparing Juliet’s eyes to stars, Romeo continues to elevate her, showing his deep admiration.
• Language Technique: Metaphor—stars representing Juliet’s eyes.

Having some business, do entreat her eyes

• Explanation: Romeo imagines that the stars are asking for Juliet’s eyes to shine in their place.
• Analysis: This poetic line further shows Romeo’s romantic and idealized view of Juliet, as if the heavens themselves are in awe of her.
• Language Technique: Personification (stars entreat her eyes).

To twinkle in their spheres till they return.

• Explanation: He imagines the stars asking for Juliet’s eyes to twinkle until they return.
• Analysis: This suggests Romeo’s perception of Juliet as a divine, celestial being.
• Language Technique: Imagery—twinkling stars.

What if her eyes were there, they in her head?

• Explanation: Romeo wonders what would happen if Juliet’s eyes were actually stars in the sky.
• Analysis: This further emphasizes how Romeo elevates Juliet to an almost supernatural level.
• Language Technique: Hypothetical question—encourages wonder and speculation.

The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars

• Explanation: Romeo believes that if Juliet’s eyes were stars, the brightness of her cheek would outshine them.
• Analysis: This deepens Romeo’s adoration for Juliet, demonstrating how he sees her as far more beautiful than any other celestial body.
• Language Technique: Hyperbole (her cheek outshines the stars).

As daylight doth a lamp; her eye in heaven

• Explanation: He compares the brightness of her cheek to daylight outshining a lamp.
• Analysis: Romeo continues to heighten Juliet’s beauty, turning her into a metaphor for purity and light.
• Language Technique: Simile—daylight doth a lamp.

ROMEO: She speaks, yet she says nothing. What of that?
Her eye discourses; I will answer it.
I am too bold. ’Tis not to me she speaks.

• Analysis: Romeo is captivated by Juliet’s beauty and presence. He notes that although Juliet doesn’t speak, her eyes communicate more than words could. This reflects the idea of love transcending words. However, Romeo is self-aware and recognizes the audacity of overhearing her monologue. This shows a sense of insecurity or modesty about his own boldness.

ROMEO (continues): Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven,
Having some business, do entreat her eyes
To twinkle in their spheres till they return.

• Language Technique: Romeo compares Juliet’s eyes to two stars, personifying them as celestial beings that are so beautiful, they hold the attention of the stars themselves. The metaphor elevates Juliet’s beauty to divine and otherworldly heights.

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JULIET: O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?
Deny thy father and refuse thy name,
Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love,
And I’ll no longer be a Capulet.

• Analysis: Juliet’s iconic line “Wherefore art thou Romeo?” does not mean “where are you?” but rather “why are you Romeo?” She is lamenting that Romeo, the object of her affection, belongs to the family that is her enemy, the Montagues. She wishes Romeo could deny his family name, which is the source of their conflict. Juliet’s willingness to give up her identity for love shows the depth of her emotions and foreshadows the tragedy of the story.

ROMEO (aside): Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at this?

• Analysis: Romeo is conflicted, unsure whether to reveal himself and speak to Juliet or continue listening to her monologue. This moment of hesitation shows his reverence for Juliet and the importance of this encounter. He is aware of the seriousness of their budding love, but his desire to engage with her pushes him to reveal himself.

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JULIET: ’Tis but thy name that is my enemy.
Thou art thyself, though not a Montague.
What’s Montague? It is nor hand, nor foot,
Nor arm, nor face. O, be some other name
Belonging to a man.

• Analysis: Juliet continues to debate the importance of names, showing her frustration with the societal constraints they represent. She argues that names are arbitrary and should not define love or individuals. This reinforces the theme of love’s transcendence over social and familial boundaries, a central motif of the play.

JULIET (continues): What’s in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other word would smell as sweet.

• Language Technique: This famous metaphor compares Romeo to a rose, suggesting that his essence—his qualities—would remain unchanged even if he were not named “Romeo.” Juliet uses this metaphor to argue that names are just labels, and they do not affect the true nature of the person.

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ROMEO: I take thee at thy word.
Call me but love, and I’ll be new baptized.
Henceforth I never will be Romeo.

• Analysis: Romeo is so swept up in his emotions that he immediately agrees to Juliet’s request. He is willing to discard his name and identity for love, signaling his intense passion. The reference to being “new baptized” implies a spiritual rebirth, a purification of self, to be united with Juliet without the burden of his family name.

JULIET: What man art thou that, thus bescreened in night,
So stumblest on my counsel?

• Analysis: Juliet, still unaware of Romeo’s identity, wonders who he is, surprised that someone has overheard her private thoughts. She is startled by his boldness but also intrigued by his words.

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ROMEO: By a name
I know not how to tell thee who I am.
My name, dear saint, is hateful to myself
Because it is an enemy to thee.

• Analysis: Romeo reveals his identity to Juliet, stating that he hates his own name because it stands in the way of their love. This moment further emphasizes the depth of his feelings, showing that he views his name as an obstacle rather than an essential part of his identity.

JULIET: My ears have yet not drunk a hundred words
Of thy tongue’s uttering, yet I know the sound.
Art thou not Romeo, and a Montague?

• Analysis: Juliet acknowledges how quickly she has fallen for Romeo, noting that she recognizes his voice even before he has spoken much. This shows how quickly love can grow, and the deep connection they share, even without extensive interaction. It also foreshadows the strength of their relationship.

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ROMEO: Neither, fair maid, if either thee dislike.

• Analysis: Romeo reassures Juliet that his love for her is not tied to his family name. He would be anything for her, showing his devotion.

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JULIET: How camest thou hither, tell me, and wherefore?
The orchard walls are high and hard to climb,
And the place death, considering who thou art,
If any of my kinsmen find thee here.

• Analysis: Juliet is concerned for Romeo’s safety, recognizing the danger he faces by being in the Capulet house. The mention of death underscores the peril of their love and foreshadows the tragic fate of the two lovers.

ROMEO: With love’s light wings did I o’erperch these walls,
For stony limits cannot hold love out,
And what love can do, that dares love attempt.

• Language Technique: Romeo uses the metaphor of “love’s light wings” to suggest that love is an unstoppable force. Love transcends physical and social boundaries, symbolized by his ability to climb the high walls. This portrays love as both transcendent and daring.

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JULIET: If they do see thee, they will murder thee.

• Analysis: Juliet’s concern for Romeo’s safety deepens, emphasizing the danger that their love faces. This line reinforces the tension between their personal desires and the violent feud between their families.

ROMEO: Alack, there lies more peril in thine eye
Than twenty of their swords. Look thou but sweet,
And I am proof against their enmity.

• Analysis: Romeo is confident that the power of Juliet’s love for him will protect him from any danger. His belief in the strength of their love reflects the theme of love as a powerful force, but it is also idealistic, ignoring the real-world consequences of their families’ enmity.

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JULIET: I would not for the world they saw thee here.

• Analysis: Juliet’s fear for Romeo’s safety intensifies, but her love for him drives her to want to be close to him. This shows the conflict between love and the constraints of reality, a central theme throughout the play.

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ROMEO: I have night’s cloak to hide me from their eyes,
And, but thou love me, let them find me here.
My life were better ended by their hate
Than death proroguèd, wanting of thy love.

• Analysis: Romeo’s romantic idealism leads him to prefer death at the hands of Juliet’s family than living without her love. His declaration underscores the intensity of his feelings for her, as he is willing to risk everything for love.

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JULIET: By whose direction found’st thou out this place?

• Analysis: Juliet questions how Romeo found her, demonstrating her mix of curiosity, awe, and concern for his safety.

ROMEO: By love, that first did prompt me to inquire.
He lent me counsel, and I lent him eyes.
I am no pilot; yet, wert thou as far
As that vast shore washed with the farthest sea,
I should adventure for such merchandise.

• Analysis: Romeo personifies love as a guide, a powerful force that led him to Juliet. The reference to “merchandise” suggests that his pursuit of her is valuable and worth the risk, reinforcing the theme of love as a compelling and dangerous journey.