Literary Devices The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet One way Shakespeare uses literary devices in Romeo and Juliet is using various allusions, or references to other works, which makes the play more interesting because it gives spectators a better understanding of the feelings of the characters by comparing them to other popular characters. An example of this is when Romeo was love-sick about Rosaline not loving him back, Mercutio says, “You are a lover. Borrow Cupid’s wings\And soar with them above a common bound” (1.4.17-18). This shows the personality of Romeo by comparing it with Cupid, and that Romeo has a loving personality with extreme emotions. Additionally, another allusion in the play is when Romeo is leaving Juliet’s balcony and Juliet tells Romeo that if he does not come back, she will find Echo and make him repeat his words (2.2.161-164). Many may know that the name Echo is referring to the Greek nymph who would always say the words of others repeatedly, and knowing this can help readers or spectators get a better understanding of how bad Juliet wants to hear Romeo’s voice. These examples demonstrate the use of allusions in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and they show how the allusions can help define the extreme …show more content…
Additionally, another soliloquy is said when Juliet is about to take the potion when she contemplates whether or not to take the potion and she expresses all her worries about taking it (4.3.14-58). This helps express the emotions of the decision Juliet is having to make and it helps the spectators realize the serious consequences her actions may have. This proves that without soliloquies in Romeo and Juliet, the plot may have never formed and the thoughts of the characters would not be expressed as