Figures of speech allow writers to create characters and
situations in an imaginative way, forming visual images in the mind of the audience or
reader. An audience is able to make assumptions about what may follow based on vivid
portrayals of situations or individuals. Shakespeare uses various figures of speech in
Romeo and Juliet and among the most well-known are the
"star-crossed lovers" (Prologue to Act I, line 6). There is allusion, alliteration,
metaphor, oxymoron and hyperbole in Act I, scene i. Hyperbole is never intended to be
taken literally because it is always an exaggerated, embellished manner of
over-emphasizing.
In Act I, scene i, it is important that
Romeo is characterized as passionate, impulsive, spontaneous and even reckless right
from the beginning as the time frame does not allow for a slow development of character.
His behavior strengthens the plot of the story and makes his actions all the more
plausible. The figures of speech including hyperbole reveal just what extreme lengths he
will ultimately go to for love.
In Act I, scene i Romeo
is lamenting how the days are long because Rosaline does not return his love. Romeo is
overwhelmed by his feelings and his use of oxymoron when, for example he says "O loving
hate... O heavy lightness" (lines 174 to 176) ensures that the reader is under no
illusions as to the depth of his feelings or his despair. It is important to recognize
the all-or-nothing obsession which he has and which will ultimately result in his tragic
death. The oxymorons are in themselves examples of gross exaggeration and Romeo goes on
to use hyperbole in his general description of Rosaline stating that in remaining chaste
she
...makes
huge waste; for beauty starved with her severity, Cuts beauty off from all posterity
(216 to 218).
In other words,
if Rosaline never has children, beauty will die with her because no-one, except Rosaline
or her own children could ever be beautiful.
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