Literature: Romeo and Juliet (part 3)

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 6

Programme

- Literature reader: Round off Romeo and Juliet

- Choose what to work on (book assignment/ mock test/ reading your novel)

Important literary devices:

1. Prose and verse

R&J is mostly written in verse, but prose is also used. Prose is used for more common situations or people (such as the nurse).

* verse = has a set rhythm and structure

* prose = conversational way of speaking (no rhythm)

2. Antithesis (oxymoron)

In Romeo’s ‘Banished’ speech in Act 3 Scene 3, he uses antithesis to describe how it feels to be separated from Juliet. ''Tis torture and not mercy’ (Romeo, 3:3) is just one example. Opposites like light and dark and heaven and hell are used a lot in Romeo and Juliet.

3. Dramatic irony

- an important literary device used by Shakespeare in his tragedies
- audience is aware of the fate of the characters, but the characters are unaware of the implications of the meanings

Example in Act 1 scene 4:
Before Romeo meets Juliet at the ball, for example, he says his ‘mind misgives / Some consequence yet hanging in the stars'.

The best example can be found in the prologue.

4. Soliloquy 

A monologue that gives an insight into the character's inner feelings. It is delivered when the character is alone on stage.

Romeo:

“But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?

It is the East, and Juliet is the sun.

Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,

Who is already sick and pale with grief

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

5. Allegory (and why it's different from metaphor)

- Acts as symbols, usually have hidden meanings and make reference to religion, morality or politics.

Examples:
'For saints have hands that pilgrims hands do touch'
'Call me but love, and I'll be new baptized'

They both refer to...?

6. Blank verse

A type of poetry that does not have a rhyme scheme, but has a regular meter.

Usually in iambic pentameter (remember the 10 syllables, 5 stressed ones, similar to the Shakespearean sonnet)

Read p. 58/ 59 in your reader for more information about literary devices and important themes and ideas in the play.

Any questions about the play?

Any questions about the play?

Find extra information on the next slides.

https:

Choose what to do next

- Work on your 2nd book assignment: Find the assignment on Magister Opdrachten

- Start working on the SE Literature mock test on the Magister Studiewijzer

- Finish reading your novel

Good luck with your preparations!

Join the 'facultatieve' lessons if you like.