Metaphors In Romeo And Juliet Essay

By using metaphors, Romeo’s feelings and moodiness can be described thoroughly. His love for Juliet, and grief for Rosaline are shown in many imagery and personification terms. During the first scene of the play, he and Benvolio are discussing Rosaline, and her rejection of Romeo. Certain that his life is now meaningless, he rants to his friend: “She’ll not be hit With Cupid’s arrow. She hath Dian’s wit, And, in strong proof of chastity well armed, From Love’s weak childish bow she lives unharmed.”
(I.i.225-228)
Cupid and his bow are symbols of love, and Rosaline, having evaded his arrows, has turned down Romeo’s love. His ever changing emotions are first noted here, and he shows traits of a Hopeless
Finding Juliet on a hidden balcony, Shakespeare expresses Romeo’s emotions through a soliloquy. “It is the East, and Juliet is the Sun! Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, Who is already sick and pale with grief That thou her maid art far more fair than she.”
(II.ii.3-6)
As a rule, the moon is associated with darkness, death, and despair. This is important to notice when comparing Romeo to the moon because he has lost all hope, he feels life is meaningless without Rosaline. However, meeting Juliet has reinforced his love. He has shed his feelings of past women, and has his eyes set on only one person. Someone as beautiful as the sun when compared to himself, a dreary depressed moon. Giving a new tone to the play; that of Hope, it also presents the theme of Fate. His need for love is his tragic flaw, and refusal to let go of lost relationships will lead to his downfall, and the tragedy of the play.
The similarities between Rosaline and Juliet as seen through Romeo’s eyes can be found through metaphors. His emotions and perceptions of love develop and change often throughout the play, and are presented to us by his