Monday, February 7, 2011

What are some literacy devices that describe Lord Capulet's speech in Romeo and Juliet?

When Lord Capulet speaks with the County Paris, he uses synecdoche as well as metaphor when he says, "Let two more summers wither in their pride / Ere we may think her ripe to be a bride" (1.2.10-11). Lord Capulet means that he wants to let two more years pass before Juliet marries, but he figuratively uses summers to stand in for years. Further, he compares the summers themselves to something living, something that could "wither," like a flower.


Lord Capulet also uses personification when he says, "Earth hath swallowed all my hopes but she" (1.2.14). Such a line gives the earth the ability to perform a human action.


Lord Capulet uses metaphor again when he tells Paris that, at his party tonight, Paris will see "Earth-treading stars that make dark heaven light" (1.2.25). He means that Paris will see beautiful women, who shine like stars but walk on the earth, lighting heaven from below. He thinks, perhaps, that Paris might change his mind about Juliet and prefer another woman if he gives himself a chance to look around.


Lord Capulet uses personification again when he says, "Such comfort as do lusty young men feel / When well-appareled April on the heel / Of limping winter treads. Even such delight / Among fresh fennel buds shall you this night / Inherit at my house" (1.2.26-30).  He gives April and winter the ability to tread and limp, respectively.  He also uses a metaphor, comparing "fresh fennel buds" to pretty young women.

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