How Does Shakespeare Use Syntax In Romeo And Juliet

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In the tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare tells a tragic story about how two forbidden lovers sacrifice is the only way to resolve the feud between their families. Even though Romeo and Juliet have a tragic ending, the road there is not that bad. In Act II, Scene ii, Shakespeare shows one of the lovers’ first conversations, which is painted by his very careful choice of words. He uses syntax, diction, and other narrative devices to depict the mood of Romeo and Juliet and In the passage, Shakespeare uses syntax to set the differing moods between Romeo and Juliet. Romeo’s mood is light-hearted and is trying to win Juliet's heart. When Romeo says "with love’s light wings did I o’perch these walls" (66), Shakespeare tries to set the mood of a romantic, joyous Romeo. On the other hand, Juliet's initial mood displays anger and embarrassment. She states, "How cam’st thou …show more content…

There are tons of keywords that point in the direction of Romeo and Juliet's mood. The phrases, "love’s light wings" and “For stony limits cannot hold love out,” show how Romeo is in a very dreamy, overly optimistic mood, that is leading him to believe that his love with Juliet can conquer any obstacle thrown in front of them. Even though Juliet doesn’t say as much as Romeo, her words have an impact on the mood of the scene. For instance, Juliet says, "I would not for the world they saw thee here” (74) Shakespeare uses the words “not for the world” to create a mood of anxiousness and caring, on the part of Juliet. When Romeo responds with “I have night’s cloak to hide me from their eyes, / and but thou love me, let them find me here. My life were better ended by their hate than death prorogued, wanting thy love” (75th76) Shakespeare’s choice of words, in this quote, shows that Romeo is desperate for Juliet to love him back and that he would rather die at the hands of Juliet’s relatives than not be loved by