Balcony Scnece in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

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Balcony Scnece in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet Act 2 Sc2, also known as the 'balcony scene', is arguably the most well known piece of literature in the world, and certainly by an English author. Even now, four hundred years after it was written, modern day romantics are still referred to as 'Romeo'. The scene starts with Romeo abandoning his friends as they leave the exclusive Capulet's party. He heads for Juliet's window, and soon finds it. Even from this early stage, it is patently obvious that Romeo has true feelings for Juliet. 'It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. Arise fair sun, and kill the envious moon'. This demonstrates Romeo's true affection and physical attraction to Juliet. Even to a non-romantic at heart, the following lines are simply magical. 'Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven, having some business, do entreat her eyes to twinkle in their spheres till they return'. This is Romeo, with his heart melting, complementing the beauty of her eyes. These metaphors he has used are both associated with vitality and beauty, which sticks in my own mind, and makes the reader want to read on. Romeo continues to watch Juliet, now noticing her cheek, he comments, 'She leans her cheek upon her hand…Oh that I were a glove… that I might touch that cheek! These images of love are so powerful and dramatic that by this stage, the audience is compelled to keep reading. By this stage, one already knows of Romeo's infatuation with Juliet. However, it is not yet certain as to whether Romeo's love is unrequited. Shakespeare reaffirms the audience's anxieties. Juliet yearns for Romeo not to be a Montague... ... middle of paper ... ... its structure. The scene begins very slowly, as if the lovers are timid. The language represents this, as there are a lot longer dialogues between the two, and their parts are long compared to those later in the scene. Progressively, there is more interaction between, as if they are becoming close to each other, until at the end of the scene, there is only ever two or three sentences said before the other speaks. This also represents the increasing excitement that both are experiencing as they fear that they will be caught by the nurse. In conclusion, I think that the things that make the balcony scene so memorable are Shakespeare's use of language to portray the inhibitions of the couple, but also to portray their love, and his usage of metaphors, to illustrate the different feelings felt by Romeo and Juliet.

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