Romeo And Juliet Figurative Language Essay

“Learn to appreciate what you have before time forces you to appreciate what you had” (Unknown). In Act Three, Scene Three of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Friar Laurence expresses his distress towards Romeo’s recent behavior. In this monologue, the Friar believes Romeo should be thinking rationally to be appreciative of what he has. The use of figurative language in this outburst reveals how foolish and ungrateful Romeo has been. For example, when the Friar realizes how much Romeo complains about even the smallest situation, he exclaims, “Fie, fie, thou shamest thy shape, thy love, thy wit, / Which, like a usurer, abound’st in all, / And usest none in that true use indeed” (3.3.128-130). The Friar believes Romeo brings shame to

He compares Romeo and his wit to an usurer and his or her money. Romeo could be able to think rationally if he did not hoard his talents within himself when enamoured by anger or Juliet. Additionally, to further explain how conceited Romeo becomes, the Friar declares, “Thy noble shape is but a form of wax” (3.3.132). Romeo may look like a man, but he is essentially more of a “wax figure,” as he does not hold the necessary morals that a man should have. Like wax melts under heat, Romeo loses a sense of reality when under pressure or given responsibility. The Friar later even suspects Romeo’s sworn love to Juliet may not even be genuine, judging from the way he has been acting. Moreover, to further intensify Romeo’s foolishness, the Friar jests, “Like powder in a skilless soldier’s flask, / Is set afire by thine

For instance, when Romeo dramatically threatens to kill himself, the Friar ridicules, “Hast thou slain Tybalt? Wilt thou slay thyself? / And slay thy lady that in thy life lives” (3.3.123-124). Judging from the way Romeo has been acting lately, the Friar suspects that Romeo could potentially kill himself. The emphasis of the verb “to slay” indirectly reminds Romeo that he killed Tybalt and the significance of this action. Because of his overly immature attitude, Romeo does not take the time to think how his lover would react to his rash decision. The Friar warns Romeo that his life lives in Juliet’s as well, so killing himself, would be killing her as well. Additionally, the Friar snaps at Romeo’s melodramatic attitude and