Examples Of Allusions In Romeo And Juliet

Allusions in literature reference a person, a historical place or an event in order to create a more vivid mental image and understanding of the events in the literary work. Multiple examples of allusions can be found within the drama, Romeo and Juliet, that reference characters from the play who have similar traits or experiences as those in ancient mythology. William Shakespeare uses these allusions to increase the audience’s understanding of what occurrs in the play usings people’s knowledge of the well known mythological characters in his references. He references these characters through monologues, soliloquies, and dialogue between characters. Shakespeare alludes to mythological characters throughout Romeo and Juliet in order to further enhance the understanding of the affair and the tragic flaws between the star-crossed lovers. Many mythological references occur throughout the play. One of the first alludes to Aurora, the Roman goddess of dawn. Romeo, in deep remorse over Rosaline and her not loving him back, Dian . Romeo was so depressed that he “makes himself an artificial night”, to keep sun out and darkness in. “But all so

Echo is a nymph who was in love with a man named Narcissus and could only repeat whatever he said. When Narcissus died, Echo faded away and only her repetitive voice was left. This relates to Juliet because she tells Romeo that “Bondage is hoarse and may not speak aloud,/ Else would I tear the cave where Echo lies,/ And make her airy tongue more hoarse than mine,/ With repetition of my Romeo’s name.” (II, ii, 171-174). Juliet explains how she will repeat Romeo’s name so many times that her voice will become like Echo’s. This is important to the work because the audience can understand that she loves Romeo so much that she would say his name for eternity, contributing to her tragic flaw of endless