The Language in William Shakespeare's Act Three Scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet

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The Language in William Shakespeare's Act Three Scene 5 of Romeo and Juliet The scene opens peacefully and gently. Lines 1-25 are highly poetic to reflect the beauty of the romantic scene. The reference to birdsong adds to the pleasure the audience feel at seeing the lovers happy together. The close description and figurative language (metaphors in this case) create vivid imagery which enables the audience to picture what is taking place outside the bedroom window. For example: 'Night's candles are burnt out' -------------------------------------------- Notice how the long vowel sounds, up to line 16, reinforce the idea of Juliet's sleepiness and create a dreamy quality. Line 17 on - ------------ Still poetic, but more short words and vowel sounds as Romeo's reluctance to leave intensifies and the pace quickens, adding to the sense of drama and excitement. Line 26-35 Juliet's words introduce less pleasant images, reflecting the fear and sorrow she is experiencing: 'straining harsh discords', 'loathed toad', 'affray', 'hunting. These lines also show that Juliet is now fully awake and conscious of the danger to Romeo(and herself). They illustrate how unhappy she is becoming at the thought of parting from her new husband. Line 36 - A foreshadowing of what will happen later in the play. The firs t real ominous note, that with the growing light of day, the darkness of separation and unhappiness will follow. Line 37-40 Juliet's (and audience's) feelings of sadness are interrupted by the Nurse's warning, heightening the danger of the couple's situation. Line 41 - Romeo has to go... ... middle of paper ... ...sharp. Sounds very cold and final. It's usually the end of a prayer, what end does it signify here? Line 229 Nurse's 'What?' Does she sense that Juliet means more than, 'Thanks, That's the end of the discussion'? Line 230 Juliet's reply has a hollow, bitter tone. Line 235. 'Ancient damnation…..' Juliet cursing the Nurse (and perhaps the feud) 'Thou and my bosom henceforth shall be twain.' Their friendship is finished. Juliet feels betrayed. Juliet is now isolated, has no one but Friar Lawrence to turn to. Line 242 The final and very chilling line which reveals Juliet's decision kill herself rather than marry Paris and so betray Romeo. This act of desperation emphasises the strength of her love and echoes Romeo's willingness to face death for Juliet's sake at the start of the scene.

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