Metaphor In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

In William Shakespeare's tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, Juliet is a caterpillar, pressured by circumstance to transform too quickly into a butterfly. Juliet would not have developed into a mature woman at such an early age if it weren't for her environment. In response to Lady Capulet, the nurse refers to Juliet as a "lamb"(I.III.III). Shakespeare illustrates that Juliet is initially pure by using this metaphor to characterize her. The comparison to a lamb paints Juliet as an innocent and naive individual, and it emphasizes that the nurse sees Juliet this way. It is significant to note that the nurse is likely one of Juliet’s closest relations, and thus knows her better than many of the other characters. Shakespeare uses this relationship to characterize

In keeping with Romeo's metaphor, Juliet describes herself as a falconer and Romeo as a male peregrine falcon, a high-status bird. Peregrine falcons are extremely fast birds. This quickness can be shown by their hasty relationship. The bodies of falcons are gray, which stands for stability and security; Juliet craves stability in Romeo's passionate love. Shakespeare could have included this to highlight how swiftly their relationship is developing as well as Juliet's rash wish to establish an intimate relationship with Romeo. A falconer resembles a “home” for a bird. This analogy drives the idea that after only a short connection, being with Juliet is where Romeo has to be to feel love, comfort, and safety. With this line, Juliet displays a change in her character that suggests she is rushing through life. Juliet has encircled herself in her connection with Romeo at this point. The caterpillar in a chrysalis symbolizes how her relationship is physically and mentally enclosed. Because Juliet is so young and has already undergone change, her and Romeo’s relationship is built on rash and hasty