How Does Shakespeare Use Simile In Romeo And Juliet

In writing, authors often use literary devices to portray a certain meaning or idea. Throughout the play Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare uses simile and metaphor to present the message that love leads one to idolize their beloved and raise them above all others. Metaphor is used within Romeo and Juliet to show the idea that love leads lovers to deify their sweetheart. When Romeo first sees Juliet at the Capulets’ feast, he is astounded by her beauty, exclaiming, “she doth teach the torches to burn bright!” (I.v.51) The young Montague is taken by the Capulet heiress’ loveliness, and proclaims how fair she is. Torches, one would think, are masters at doing the purpose they were designed for. By stating that Juliet teaches the torches to burn bright, Romeo is declaring her superiority above them. He returns later that night to the garden beneath Juliet’s balcony in hopes of seeing her once more. As she approaches the door, he cries out, “But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? / It is the East, and Juliet is the sun.” (II.ii.2-3) Romeo is completely enamoured with Juliet, comparing her to the sun. The sun is brighter and more powerful than the moon; Romeo is essentially stating that Juliet is admirable over all.

Romeo, the young Montague heir, has stolen into the party that the Capulet family is throwing. He observes Juliet’s fair countenance, stating “So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows / As yonder lady o’er her fellows shows.” (I.v.55-56) Her beauty and grace are superior to all in Romeo’s eyes. Later on, while watching Juliet speak from her balcony, he says, “The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars / As daylight doth a lamp.” (II.ii.19-21) To Romeo, the young Capulet girl is more beautiful than anything in the world; her beauty shames everything else in