The Effects of Imagery in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

The Effects of Imagery in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

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Shakespeare used many aspects of language particularly imagery in many

forms to make Romeo & Juliet more dramatic, exciting and interesting

for his audience. He managed to make the play more accessible to his

audience. Some of whom, in the sixteenth century, somewhat

ill-educated. He used language to convey the main concerns of the

public i.e. death, love, violence, avarice and wealth. His use of key

language features, particularly imagery, helped his audience to

understand the feelings of each character and the development of the

story of the play.

Whilst studying Romeo & Juliet and the impact of the key features of

language, particularly imagery that Shakespeare used at the Capulet's

ball was dramatic. For example Capulet welcomes his guests at the

start of the scene and goes on to discuss the days of the past.

"Tis gone, Tis gone, Tis gone",

The language used here refers to Capulet's lost youth. He and his

elderly relative can only sit and watch the dance. He realises that

the era of "whispering tale in a fair lady's ear," are over. This

creates impact on the audience by making them feel sorry for Capulet's

lost youth. The technicalities in language that Shakespeare used help

the audience to create sympathy for the characters also emotion and

feelings.

Romeo, who only three scenes ago declared that he was in love with

Rosaline, now for the time sees Juliet and contemplates her beauty as