Romeo and Juliet quotes

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 Juliet
● Quote ● Act ● Explained ● Language technique ● How I feel ● Characterist
ics
● /thoughts
● “Madam, I am here, what is ● Act 1, scene 3- Our first ● Juliet has been called to her mother, and she ● The word ‘madam’ implies that she is almost scared of her mum; they have such a weak relationship that she ● I feel like Juliet is a very kind and polite character. • Polite
your will?” impression of Juliet is being very formal and polite. This is has to be polite. The use of a question could suggest she is surprised that her mother is calling which As this is the first time that she is mentioned and • Kind
because she is not close to her mum and so reinforces the fact that she has a weak relationship with her mother. she seems very formal, I can only think that this is
must act this way. how she is.
● “I’ll look to like, if looking ● Act 1, scene 3- Juliet is talking to ● Juliet has been told that she must find a ● The use of concise language suggests that Juliet is less obedient then was thought before. She seems cheeky ● I feel happy for Juliet as she has decided that she • Strong
liking move” her mother and the nurse boyfriend, or else she has to marry Paris. here as she goes against what her mother is saying. ‘I’ll look to like’ suggests that she will only love them will make her own decisions and not listen to her • Brave
Juliet isn’t keen on the idea, but says that based on their appearance; not on their status like Pairs mum. I also think that she is strong because of this. • Bold
she will look.
● “And saints have hands that ● Act 1, scene 5- Romeo and Juliet ● Romeo and Juliet are using Religious ● The words ‘saints’ here refers to the images of saints in shrines. This implies that Romeo and Juliet are shrines ● I feel pleased for Juliet. She has clearly found • Infatuated
pilgrims hands do touch… You have just met imagery to explain their love for each other. for each other, emphasising each other’s love and importance. The word ‘pilgrims’ exaggerates how religious someone that she truly loves. I also feel worried • Pleased
kiss by the book” After the kiss, Juliet says ‘you kiss by the it is. ‘You kiss by the book’ refers to the Bible, reinforcing the Religious vibe. It suggests that Juliet has been though as she doesn’t know he is a Montague. • Besotted
book’ preparing for the moment.
● “My only love sprung from ● Act 1, scene 5- At the end of the ● Juliet has just realised that Romeo is a ● The repetition of the word ‘only’ emphasises that Juliet has just ‘one’ love and just one ‘hate’, which highlights ● I feel sorry for Juliet here. She has never found • Confused
my only hate” Capulet’s party when she has Montague, yet Juliet loves him so much that how serious the situation is. The repetition also reflects Juliet’s frustration at the situation. The use of anyone that she truly loves and she is expected by • Frustrated
discovered Romeo is a Montague he is her ‘only love’. Her ‘only hate’ is the oxymorons creates a sense of confusion that shows how conflicted Juliet is feeling about her love for Romeo. her family to marry. I think that her unlikeness is • Scared
Montague family, because they are the They show how difficult her situation is by emphasising that her love is incompatible due to the feud. difficult for the reader as the situation is not her
enemies of the Capulet’s fault.
● “A rose… by any other word ● Act 2, scene 2- Juliet is speaking ● Juliet is saying that a rose will always smell ● The use of imagery of a rose reflects love. A rose is a symbol of love and beauty, which reflects Juliet’s love for ● I feel frustrated here as it makes me angry that • Anger
would smell as sweet” to herself pleasant, regardless of the name that is used Juliet. Roses can also be thorny and cause pain though, so Shakespeare might be hinting at how Romeo and Juliet is in the position of not being able to love • Frustrated
to describe it. She means that even though Juliet’s love will end in pain. Her clever use of language, comparing Romeo and her to a rose shows that she someone just because of their status. Juliet is
Romeo has the name Montague and believes that family rivals, reputations and names shouldn’t matter in love. She is in love with Romeo as a clearly feeling this too using her clever language,
belongs to a rival family, this doesn’t mean person, and not in love with his family name. This emphasises her anger. which makes me feel even more angry about the
that he isn’t a good person. rivalry.
● “Too rash, too unadvis’d, too ● Act 2, scene 2- The balcony scene ● Romeo wants to marry Juliet. Juliet however ● She uses a triadic structure here to emphasis the fast phase of the relationship. So, she is hinting that there ● I feel like Juliet is being mature here. She has made • Sensible
sudden, too like the feels as if the love is too quick. She shows could be consequences if it is this fast. The use of a simile comparing love light ‘lightning’ reinforces how quick an informed decision that this relationship is too • Brave
lightning” this by emphasising how the love is too their love is; as quick as a flash of lightning. quick, which is the right decision. • Bold
quick.
● “Dove feathered raven, ● Act 3, scene 2- Juliet is describing ● Juliet has just learned that Romeo killed ● The use of bird imagery ‘Dove-feathered raven’ echo’s previous lines. She uses falconry imagery in Act 2, ● I feel confused. Romeo is being described as • Petrified
wolvish-ravening lamb!” Romeo Tybalt. It shows that she has a conflicted scene 2, which suggests that despite the events, Juliet wants to call Romeo back, like a bird. The words ‘Dove contrasting images, and it is hard to tell if Juliet • Bewildered
attitude towards Romeo. She is upset that feathered’ suggests that despite hating him, he is still white, pure and peaceful. ‘Wolvish-ravening lamb’ is an loves or hates Romeo. • Scared
he has killed her cousin, but she still loves oxymoron. Romeo is a wolf which shows that he is fierce and brutal yet he is a lamb which shows that he is
him. innocent and young.
● “Good father, I beseech you ● Act 3, scene 5- In the argument ● Juliet has been insulted numerously , being ● Juliet seems quite direct here, due to her fear. She uses the imperative ‘hear’, which emphasises how ● I feel very sorry for Juliet. She clearly seems • Scared
on my knees, Hear me with between Capulet and Juliet called a ‘tallow face’. Juliet is desperate at desperate she is for her father to hear. She also uses the adjective ‘good’ to exaggerate how desperate she is desperate for her father to listen to her through her • Nervous
patience but to speak a word. this point. ‘She kneels down’ which suggests for forgiveness. She wants her father to listen and so she is trying to be incredibly formal. physical actins as well as her voice. • Afraid
(She kneels down)” that she is begging her father for • Hopeless
forgiveness; she is desperate.
● “Chain me with roaring ● Act 4, scene 1- Juliet wants to die ● Juliet is making a long list of things that she ● The long list of repeating tortures emphasises her feeling towards Paris; she really doesn’t want to marry him. ● I feel sad here. Juliet feels this passionately about • Passionate
bears… or o’ercover’d quite would rather do than marry Paris. The phrase ‘rattling bones’- is foreshadowing as she really ends up like this. not marrying Paris and she as no way out of it • Annoyed
with dead men’s rattling other than to die.
bones
● “I have a faint cold fear thrills ● Act 4, scene 3- Juliet is just about ● Juliet is scared that the Friar Lawrence has ● The imagery is very dramatic here, yet not quite literal. ‘Cold fear thrills through my veins’ suggests that she ● I feel scared for Juliet here as she is clearly very • Scared
through my veins that almost to take the poison tricked her. She fears that the poison will believes that the poison might take the heat out of her and literally freeze her. bemused and it is not her fault • Worried
freezes up the heat of life” instantly kill her ‘freezing the heat of light’ • Alarmed
● “O happy dagger… This is thy ● Act 5, scene 3- Just before she ● Juliet is about to kill herself. She calls the ● The short sentences create the impression that Juliet is hurrying. She is worried about being stopped before ● I feel annoyed here. Juliet has had to kill herself, • Happy
sheath” kills herself dagger ‘happy’ as she wants to kill herself she can kill herself, so the short sentence creates pace and adds tension to the play. When Juliet talks about mainly due to the split in the families. I feel • Worried
now that Romeo has died; she is happy that the dagger as a sheath’, it is interesting. The imagery of her body as a ‘sheath; creates the impression that the particularly annoyed that she describes her body as • Tense
the dagger has allowed her to do this. So, dagger belongs there, since sheaths are designed to hold daggers. This emphasises that Juliet was fated to a ‘sheath’ it shows that her fate has been decided • Panicked
Juliet is happy that she has been allowed to die. She has fulfilled her destiny as stated in the prologue. which is unfair.
do this.

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 The Nurse
● Quote ● Act ● Explained ● Language technique ● How I feel
● “What, lamb! What ladybird!” ● Act 1, scene ● This is the first time we hear the Nurse, ● The noun ‘lamb’ highlights innocence, youth and vulnerability, ● I can easily see the close
3 referring to Juliet. She is trying to call Juliet, showing how make the Nurse cares about Juliet’s welfare. The relationship between the
and is doing so with a pet name/ noun ‘ladybird’ suggests beauty but also shows vulnerability characters here, due to the
for Juliet. The overall use of pet names shows an informal and language the Nurse uses
loving relationship. towards Juliet.
● “Go, girl, seek happy nights to ● Act 1, Scene Juliet is about to go to the Capulets’ party where ● The phrase ‘happy nights’ means that the Nurse wants her to ● I feel the Nurse is trying to be
happy days” 3 she is going to meet Paris. Juliet wants Juliet to find find a husband who will make her happy by satisfying her nice to Juliet as they have a
happiness, whilst at the same time referring to sexually. This suggests that the Nurse has a close relationship good relationship, however I
sexual love. with Juliet, as she is not afraid to make vulgar jokes about sex also feel like she is more
and tease Juliet. The quote also suggests that the Nurse is concerned with Juliet’s sexual
keen for Juliet to be happy; she wants her to enjoy life and find life then her welfare.
her a good husband.
● “His legs excels all men’s, and for ● Act 2, Scene ● The Nurse is describing Romeo in attempt to ● This is sexual language. The reference to “legs” as being the ● Teasing Juliet around like this
a hand and a foot an a body, 5 delay telling Juliet the news of the marriage. best part of the body implies that she thinks he will be a good is disloyal as Juliet is so
though they be not to be talked person to have sex with; the Nurse has mentioned how much anxious about the response.
of” she wants Juliet to be a mother before, so this is important to
the Nurse.
● “You shall bear the burden” ● Act 2, Scene ● The Nurse is speaking to Juliet about Romeo ● ‘Bear the burden’ is referring to sex, saying that Juliet will ● This is a fair statement as it
5 after she has returned from visiting him, when quite literally put up with the weight of her lover when they will make Juliet consider the
she told him about the marriage. Here, she is are married. It is also a double entendre, referring to the responsibility when she
using bawdy language to refer to a sexual side responsibility Juliet will have when married. becomes a wife and mother.
of love.
● “All perjured, all forsworn, all ● Act 3, Scene ● The Nurse has just brought the bad news of ● The verbs ‘perjured’ and ‘forsworn’ both refer to lying under ● I agree with the Nurse here
naught, all dissemblers” 2 Tybalt’s death and the Nurse is explaining the oath or breaking a promise, which is what the Nurse feels because the words used to
disappointment which she feels from Romeo. Romeo has done for killing Juliet. Dissemblers are liars, describe Romeo compensate
emphasising the disappointment she feels in Romeo. for his actions.
● “An eagle, madam, ● Act 3, Scene ● Lord and Lady Capulet are insulting Juliet ● The Nurse is using an extended metaphor to compare Paris to ● I agree with the Nurse’s view
● Hath not so green, so quick, so 5 uncontrollably about not wanting to marry an eagle, to emphasise how good he is compared to Romeo. here as Romeo has been
fair an eye Paris. Despite the Nurse knowing that Juliet is Eagles are seen as being a large bird of prey so comparing Paris disloyal. I do however believe
● As Paris hath”
●
married to Romeo, the Nurse is trying to to one makes him seem like the ‘top bird’. that the Nurse isn’t helping
persuade Juliet that she should marry Paris. Juliet, despite their strong
relationship.
● “Never was seen so black a day as ● Act 4, Scene ● The Nurse has just come to the realisation that ● The use of hyperbolic language emphasises how sad the death ● I feel sorry for the Nurse as
this” 5 Juliet is dead, and the Nurse is explaining her of Juliet has made the Nurse feel; it is the worst, saddest day she is clearing mourning
emotions towards it. of her life. Juliet’s death in an
exaggerated way.
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 Lord Capulet

● Quote ● Act ● Explained ● Language technique ● How I feel

● “Stranger in the ● Act 1, Scene 2 ● Paris is trying to persuade Capulet that Juliet is ready to marry him; Capulet ● 2 metaphors are used here to relate Juliet to things which aren’t ready. Calling her a ● Capulet’s character is really likeable
world… think her believes that he is too young. This shows Capulet’s caring side as he is ‘stranger’ emphasises her innocence and how naïve she is because she is still unaware of here; he cares deeply about her
ripe to be a bride” concerned about Juliet’s welfare.. Both of the quotes try to emphasise Juliet’s the world around her. Comparing her to ripened fruit emphasises that she isn’t ready; daughter and makes the right decision
youthfulness, showing she is too young to marry. when fruit ripens, it is ready, but she hasn’t ripened yet so isn’t ready. concerning here welfare. I like him at
this point.
● “Portly gentlemen… ● Act 1, Scene 5 ● Tybalt is very annoyed at this point because Romeo is gate crashing the party. ● The adjective ‘portly’ means dignified which suggests that he has a manner which is ● I admire Capulet’s attitude here
virtuous and well- Keen to impress, Capulet describes his feelings towards Romeo, which turn respectable, even though he is in the other house. This is probably because his is the because I feel like he is being positive
govern’d youth” out to be positive. The question is here; are Capulet’s feelings genuine or Montague’s Son, so therefore respected. ‘virtuous’ and ‘well-mannered’ emphasise this, despite Romeo being in the other
does he just want to impress everyone? suggesting that he has good manners and high moral standards. This shows his house. I do feel however that he is just
admiration towards Capulet. avoiding a fight which will affect his
status.
● “How how, how ● Act 3, Scene 5 ● Juliet has refused to marry Paris after Capulet’s decision that she must marry ● The repetition of ‘how how’ suggests that he is extremely angry, yet in such disbelief that ● I think that Capulet’s language so far
how, chopt-logic? him, no matter of her opinion. Capulet uses a variety of techniques to convey he is struggling to form words for Juliet, who he hates so strongly right now. The phrase seems understandable; he is confused
his anger well, trying to insult her and express his disbelief and ‘chopt-logic’ is language twisting, breaking up the rhythm from before and emphasising and I understand this. Later on
disappointment. his confusion about the decision. however, his words are too violent.
● “You green-sickness ● Act 3, Scene 5 ● After his confusion has passed concerning Juliet’s decision, he begins to ● The first phrase is a compound insult, describing her as a anaemic lifeless corpse. ‘Green- ● I fell extremely worried for Juliet’s
carrion…you properly insult Juliet to exaggerate his hate and anger towards her. sickness’ was the name for this anaemia, affecting young unmarried women; Capulet welfare as these insults are very scary
baggage…you ● believes this can be stopped if she marries. ‘Tallow face’ begins to insult Juliet at a more and could impact Juliet emotionally as
tallow-face” ● personal level; a face affects appearance and calling it pale is intimidating. well as physically.
● (Please note carrion is also dead meat) ● Using several insults suggests that Capulet’s outrage struggles to find insults for Juliet.
● “A peevish self- ● Act 4, Scene 2 ● It is a few days before the weeding, and Capulet is describing his opinion ● The adjective ‘peevish’ implies that Capulet despises of Juliet’s reluctance to marry; he ● I feel irritated by Capulet’s attitude
will’d harlotry it is” towards Juliet currently because of her reluctance to marry. He does so by finds this quality irritable. ‘Self-will’d’ shows that he feels that she only thinks about here as his attitude seems insulting,
describing his opinion of her current attitude. herself and hasn’t considered his opinion of the situation; he feels like he should decide and also seems to disrespect his
as he is his father. The word ‘harlotry’ means a hussy, emphasising his insult of disliking authority; he feels like he should have
her qualities. total control over Juliet's decisions.
● “Death is my son- ● Act 4, Scene 5 ● Capulet has just discovered that Juliet is dead, and is heartbroken. ‘Death is ● The repetition of the noun ‘Death’ emphasises Capulet’s grief and disbelief as to what ● In one way I feel pitiful for Capulet as
in-law, Death is my my heir’ means that Capulet feels like now that Juliet is dead, there is no one has happened. His thoughts are fixated on Juliet’s death as it as shocked him so much. he is clearly heartbroken by the death
heir” to inherit his legacy. Juliet was his only child so now there will be no one to This also suggests he is overwhelmed. of his daughter. I feel like he is more
continue the family line when he dies. concerned about his status however,
making me dislike him.
● “Poor sacrifices of ● Act 5, Scene 3 ● One of the last lines of the play, after both Romeo and Juliet have died and he ● ‘Poor sacrifices’ makes Romeo and Juliet seem like they had to give their lives away due ● I feel no pity for Capulet here as he is
our enmity!” discovers why their deaths occurred. This quote shows a sense of disbelief as to the feud of the family; they sacrificed their lives (almost like Jesus) so that they would the one who got them in this state;
well as remorse as Capulet begins to understand that the deaths of his make up. The adjective ‘poor’ emphasises how unlucky they were. The word ‘enmity’ forcefully getting Juliet to marry was a
daughter and her husband were his fault, and also avoidable. means feeling opposition, suggesting that Capulet has come to the realisation that due to catalyst for the death.
his grudge, his daughter had to die.

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Lady Capulet

● Quote ● Act ● Explained ● Language technique ● How I feel

● “Enough of this, I pray ● Act 1, Scene 3 ● The Nurse has just talked for a very long time about Juliet, and about ● The imperative verb ‘hold’ is very demanding therefore ● In one respect I feel sorry for
thee hold thy peace” how much she knows about her, thus showing their close forceful, emphasising how desperate she is for her to be Lady Capulet as she clearly feels
relationship. Lady Capulet has been isolated by this so feels guilty and quiet. This anger has probably come from the depth of her very awkward and angry about
isolated from her daughter; she feels that it should be her that knows guilt. The verb ‘pray’ emphasises how desperate she is; you how distant she is for Juliet.
all of this yet she doesn’t. pray when you really want something, and she really wants However, I also feel like it is her
quiet. fault; she watched this happen.
● “Find delight writ there ● Act 1, Scene 3 ● Lady Capulet wants Juliet to love Paris; she is trying to talk a lot about ● This is part of an extended metaphor comparing Paris to a ● I dislike Lady Capulet’s character
with beauty’s pen” his appearance, emphasising this is the best part of him. At this point, book. The book is written with ‘beauty’s pen’ showing that here because I feel like she cares
Lady Capulet is personifying Paris’ face. he is written with goodness and emphasising that he is a more about Paris’ appearance
good man. The imperative verb ‘find’ indicates that she rather than what is best for Juliet;
wants Juliet to find love quickly because it acts as a forceful this is arrogant.
command.
● “Romeo slew Tybalt, ● Act 3, Scene 1 ● Lady Capulet has just heard what has happened to her nephew ● The modal verb ‘must’ exaggerates that there is no other ● I agree with Lady Capulet’s view
Romeo must not live” through the point of view of Benvolio. She is rather upset, so option and that her decision is final due to Romeo’s actions. here because I feel like Romeo’s
therefore feels that rather drastic action should be taken on Romeo A rhyming couplet is used here to create a sense of tied actions were extreme and
as a punishment for his actions. consequences and engender a sense of finality. deserve extent punishment.
● “I would the fool were ● Act 3, Scene 5 ● Juliet has refused to marry Paris. Although Lord Capulet is the main ● The abstract noun ‘fool’ emphasises two things. Firstly, it ● I feel scared for Juliet’s welfare;
married to her grave” person who is enraged with this decision, Lady Capulet isn’t happy shows how she feels about her daughter; she is angry at her both of her parents are giving her
either. Here, she feels that if Juliet doesn’t take the decision to marry, so feels it is right to almost insult her. It also explains the death threats uncontrollably.
than she deserves to die. decision; she feels the decision that she made was foolish.
● “O me, O me, my child, ● Act 4, Scene 5 ● After Juliet has taken the poison, Lady Capulet is the second one to ● The repetition of ‘o me’ and ‘help’ suggests that she is lost ● I have mixed emotions of Lady
my only life!... Help! realise Juliet’s fate. She uses lots of hyperbolic language here to for words due to shock. This is emphasised by the Capulet’s response. In one
Help! Call help.” emphasise the sadness which she feels. exclamation marks. The fact that she is calling help shows respect, I feel sorry for her as she
that she feels lost and isolated without her daughter, is clearly devastated. But, when
especially as she calls her her ‘only life!’’; she only had one Juliet was alive she gave her little
child so Juliet was special. time and her death was cause by
her decision for her to marry
Paris.

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Tybalt

● Quote ● Act ● Explained ● Language technique ● How I feel

● “Hearless ● Act 1, Scene 1 ● This is Tybalt’s first line in the play, and he is ● Tybalt uses a double entendre (word with two ● I dislike Tybalt’s character
hinds” talking to Benvolio. He uses these words to show meanings) here. He is using a metaphor to suggest that immediately as this acts as
his opinion of the Montagues as being weak and the Montague’s are like female deer who are weak and an insult which presents
feeble, as a contrast to him; he feels powerful. full of fear. He is also using a pun, as the adjective the other characters as
‘heartless’ is punning on the word ‘hartless’ which is a foolish.
male dear, showing that the servants lack ‘heart’ so
courage, hence calling them feeble and weak
● “I hate the ● Act 1, Scene 1 ● This is said in the initial street scene when Tybalt is ● The repetition of the word ‘hate’ emphasises the strong ● I dislike Tybalt here as
word, as I hate talking to Benvolio. emotions which he feels against them. ‘Hell’ is possibly comparing something with
hell, and the worst punishment imaginable, so comparing the hell is very extreme and
Montagues, Montague’s to it emphasises how much he hates them. rude.
and thee”
● “Now seeming ● Act 1, Scene 5 ● Tybalt has seen Romeo at the party. He tried to get ● The superlative ‘bitterest’ emphasises the extent of the ● I dislike Tybalt’s words here
sweet, convert Capulet to fight him with him, but Capulet has punishment which he feels appropriate to Romeo. The as they feel ominous and
to bitterest refused to ruin the party. This is Tybalt’s last words emotion of bitter is sharp anger, which emphasises the foreshadow the future fight
gall” to Capulet, and shows how he wants to get Romeo anger he feels because of Romeo gate- crashing his scenes.
back. party.
● “Boy, this shall ● Act 3, Scene 1 ● This quote is said in the fight scene. Tybalt is ● The noun ‘boy’ is an insult deliberately used to ● This insult is unnecessary,
not excuse the talking to Romeo after he has talked about Tybalt antagonise Romeo and illustrates how Tybalt is and adds hatred to my
injuries that feeling like family due to Juliet’s close relationship instigating conflict, wanting Romeo to react to the view about his character.
thou hast done with Romeo- Tybalt doesn’t know this however. insult. Tybalt is also being instructive in this quotation,
me; therefore telling Romeo that he must 'turn and draw.' This also
turn and draw." illustrates how Tybalt is passionate and likes to be in
control.

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 Romeo
● Quote ● Act ● Explained ● Language technique ● How I feel ● Characteristics

● 'O brawling love! O loving hate!... ● Act 1, scene 1 – Romeo is ● The word ‘brawling’ suggests that Romeo feels as if love is giving ● Oxymorons are used throughout this section. These ● I feel confused (like Romeo does) as it • Bewildered
Misshapen chaos of well-seeming forms!' talking to his friends about him an internal battle as he cannot help himself loving her. So, describe two opposites in one go. This emphasises the is so unclear as to Romeos overall • Word smith
Rosaline he is feeling physical and emotional pain. He says ‘loving hate’ battle he is having and shows how confused he is about opinion on love. This also makes me • Sorrowful
as he loves Rosaline yet hates this battle that he is haven’t to go love; he doesn’t know if it is good or bad to love. ‘loving feel saddened.
through to do so. The word ‘chaos’ describes the battle hate’ juxtaposes two opposite emotions, which
mentioned before and shows how haphazard it is. ‘well-seeming emphasises the confusion the love is having on his brain.
forms’ describes the people in this ‘chaos’. Rosaline is in the
‘chaos’ and whilst she is beautiful, she is the one causing it.
● ‘With Cupid’s arrow. She hath Dian’s wit. ● Act 1, scene 1 – Romeo is ● This quote refers to the Goddess Diana, the Goddess of chastity ● Cliché language/allusions are used here. ‘Cupid’ is an ● N/A • Word smith
And, in strong proof of chastity’ describing is opinion on love and the moon. The reference to the moon exaggerates the image closely related with love and so using it • Upset
● theme of light and dark shown in the rest of the play. The word exaggerates Romeo’s opinion towards it. •
‘chastity’ suggests that he has no hope for Rosaline having sex
with him.
● ‘Soul of lead’ ● Act 1, scene 4 ● Romeo feels as if he can’t dance; it is just an excuse to avoid the ● The word of ‘soul’ is used to make use of the ● I feel happy as Romeo is making a • Humorous
party. The phrase suggests that he feels dragged down by homophones. The word ‘soul’ can either mean your subject which was so sad before •
sadness; lead is heavy like sadness is. This quote is also quite inside. In this way it means that he has a weight pulling happy by giving it a double meaning.
humorous as Romeo is normally a funny character like Mercuto. him down. It can also mean a ‘sole’ in your feet; in this However, I also feel sad at the same
case he is describing his ability to dance as being poor time as Romeo is being so negative.
because his feat are too heavy on the dance floor.
● 'Did my heart love till now… For I ne'er ● Act 1, scene 5 ● ‘Did my heart love till now?’ implies that Romeo is questioning ● Hyperbole exaggerates how beautiful Juliet really is and ● I feel confused as Romeo is suddenly • Infatuated
saw true beauty till this night'. himself which shows that he never really loved Rosaline. He shows how infatuated Romeo is. so infatuated with Juliet yet he was • Besotted
then corrects himself by saying that he has ‘ne’er saw true just upset over Rosaline • Happy
beauty till this night’, which suggests that he has completely • Excited
forgotten about Rosaline. He says she is a ‘beauty’ which implies
that he is concerned about her appearance more than anything
else.
● ‘Oh dear account! My life is my foe’s ● Act 1, scene 5 – Romeo has ● Romeo is explaining how he feels he has messed up as his life is ● A metaphor is used here as Romeo compares falling in ● I feel extremely scared as Romeo’s • Remorseful
debt’ met Juliet and has decided it now in the hands of the Capulet’s. ‘Dear account’ refers to an love with Juliet as debts; it is a risk for his whole life. ‘Oh language seems to foreshadow the • Scared
is risky expensive debt which he will never be able to pay out; the dear account!’ is a double entre. ‘Dear’ can mean two future events, yet he is too infatuated • Fustrated
Capulets will never accept him. The word ‘foe’ means things; Juliet is dear to him or the debt is dear (costly), as to forget about Juliet. •
opposition so shows that he owes this ‘debt’ to the Capulet’s he fears that the Capulet’s may not accept Romeo for
loving Juliet.
● ‘Bright angel… winged messenger of ● Act 2, Scene 2 ● Here, Romeo is describing Juliet as Cupid. Before, Romeo had ● The use of imagery describes her as one of two things; ● I feel happy for Romeo here because • Holy
heaven’ negative opinions on cliché images of love, but now that he cupid or an angel. he is really starting to understand • Dreamy
really loves someone, he has a positive opinion on love. This what being in love really feels like. • Infatuated
language could also be religious. It shows how beautiful Romeo •
thinks Juliet is, but also how much she idolises her. Her •
description of her ‘angel’ from ‘heaven’ suggests that she is too
beautiful for earth. This suggests that Romeo is almost
worshipping her as if she is from heaven at a time when it was
forbidden to worship anyone other than God.

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● ‘It is the east, and Juliet is the sun, Arise, ● Act 2, scene 2 – Romeo says ● Romeo is describing Juliet’s window as the east, as it is dark and ● This is a metaphor as Romeo is closely relating Juliet to ● I think that Romeo can’t be without ● Infatuated
fair sun, and kill the envious moon’ this as a monologue the sun rises in the east, so he is anticipating the arrival of Juliet. the sun. Romeo is comparing Juliet to a celestial object Juliet anymore because she is the ● Dreamy
anticipating the arrival of This is because Juliet is the sun, and once Juliet moves from the only thing that can take away his
Juliet east it will be light again, as the sun rising will break the sadness. This makes me feel happy as
darkness. Romeo is describing Juliet as the sun as she brings he has finally found real love, as
hope and light to his life; she is the most beautiful thing which is before he was infatuated with
why she is linked to the pureness of white and light. He wants someone who didn’t love him.
her to ‘kill the envious moon’ which suggests that he doesn’t like
the darkness and needs his mood brightened by Juliet. The word
“envious” suggests that even beautiful creations should be
jealous of her, as she is too perfect to be human This quote once
again refers to light and darkness which is repeated throughout.

● ‘And fire-ey’d fury be my conduct now’ ● Act 3, scene 1 – Said afrer ● Romeo is in a violent and hot-tempered mood. He is willing to ● Alliteration is used; there is a repeated ‘f’ sound. This ● I feel scared because Romeo is quite ● Violent
Mercutio’s murder to Tybalt give in his ‘fury’ and get his revenge on Tybalt. Also, he wants creates the impression that Romeo is literally spitting the an emotional character but this time, ● Frustrated
the fury to ‘conduct’ him, which suggests that he wants it to words out in anger. Personification is also used. ‘Fury’ is he is struggling to control his ● Upset
lead him to wherever it must. This contrasts with his mood made to seem human as it has ‘eyes’. This suggests that emotions; it is unclear as to what will ● Uncontrollable
earlier in the scene when he refused to fight and told him of the his fury has a mind of his own and is uncontrollable. happen next. I also feel sad and
‘love’ he had for him. This quote suggests that Romeo is easily connected to Romeo as he was trying
influenced by emotions and is quick to get angry. His sudden to not get in a fight but his anger will
change in mood reflects how his character is complex and get the better of him and he will fight
contradictory at times; he can be both gentle and violent. back.

● ‘Is it e’en so? Then I defy you, star!’ ● Act 5, scene 1 – Romeo has ● When he says ‘then I defy you stars’, he wants to reject fate ● The use of a question suggests that Romeo is full of ● I feel confused as Romeo is going ● Angry
just been told by Balthasar because it has caused Juliet’s death. Romeo addresses the stars shock and disbelief. It seems as if he is asking for against what he knows must happen; ● Frustrated
about Juliet’s death. to directly emphasise that he blames them for Juliet’s death and confirmation of what he has just heard, which shows his this confidence hasn’t shone this ● Bemused
his misfortune. It also makes his reaction to the death seem struggle to accept the news of the death. much before. I also feel scared as ● Shocked
more dramatic, which reinforces the strength of his emotions. going against fate can’t be a good ● Bewildered
This quote suggest that Romeo is no longer willing to accept his thing.
fate like before which contrasts to his attitude at the start of the
play. In act 1, scene 4, he was asking God to ‘Direct and ‘sail’
him.

● ‘One writ with me in sour misfortune’s ● Act 5, scene 3 – Romeo has ● The quote shows that Romeo is sympathetic towards Paris, ● The personification of ‘misfortune’ makes it sound as if ● I feel sad as Romeo makes it like his ● Remorseful
book’ just slain Paris and is about to because he realises hat Paris was unlucky to have come to the someone is actively controlling Romeo and Paris’s lives, death was meant to happen; fate ● Angry
kill himself with Juliet. tomb when he did. Romeo is so upset that his feelings took over. emphasising that their bad luck is not their fault made it happen. I also feel angry that ● Confused
The idea that ‘misfortune’ has been written in a ‘book’ suggests Romeo feels like this, as his ●

that their fate is fixed – their lives are like stories whose ending happiness from Juliet has completely
has already been decided. gone.
● 'Shake the yoke of inauspicious stars from ● Act 5, scene 3 ● Before he takes the poison, Romeo is describing how fed up he is with life. The words ‘inauspicious stars’ suggests that Romeo ● I feel upset as Romeo seems so hard ● Frustrated
this world-wearied flesh.' has no hope in the stars. Romeo has talked about the stars guiding fate when Juliet dies, and now he definitely has no hope in on himself; death is the only option ● Sad
● them. So, he feels as if he must kill himself to stop the fate from happening as it is the only way. ‘Shake the yoke’ suggests that for him. I also feel more upset by the
he wants to forget his troubles, and ‘world-wearied flesh’ emphasises the hassle that this fate has caused him. fact that love is the thing that as
killed him.

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Friar Lawrence

● Quote ● Act ● Explained ● Language technique ● How I feel

● “Thy love did read by rote and could not ● Act 2, Scene 3 ● Speaking to Romeo, Friar Laurence is giving advice. ‘By rote’ means learning something by repeating it over and over again, so he is saying that Romeo has ● I fell sorry for Romeo because the Friar
spell” learnt to recite words about Love without understanding what they really mean. This suggests that the Friar feels Romeo is naïve, not actually is quick to judge is relationship with
understanding anything about love. This links to his love for Rosaline. Juliet, despite the fact that the love is
genuine.
● “To turn your households’ rancour to pure ● Act 2, Scene 3 ● Again speaking to Romeo, he hopes that Romeo’s marriage to Juliet will lead to ● This foreshadows the end, because the families agree to stop ● I feel angry at the Friar here, because I
love” peace between the two families. Rancour means ‘hatred’, so the Friar wants to stop the fighting once they see the destruction caused by the feud, feel like the deaths were his fault and
this by marrying them. meaning this quote acts as a catalyst for their deaths. If the they were preventable if the Friar
Friar didn’t marry them, the deaths may not have happened. hadn’t broken the rules of marrying
them.

● “These violent delights have violent ends, ● Act 2, Scene 6 ● The Friar says this just before marrying Romeo and Juliet, as he tries to warn them ● The repetition of the word ‘violent’ emphasises how extreme ● I feel uneasy as the Friar is clearly
and in their triumph die like fire and that this relationship is too sudden. He does this by trying to describe the effects of the effects are, implying that they will end in a tragic death hinting that the marriage is a bad idea
powder” the relationships that happen too quickly by comparing it to ‘fire and powder’. The which they do. The antithesis between the words ‘violent’ and the effects will be brutal, yet he is
word ‘delights’ refers to them now, happy and married, and ‘ends’ refers to them and ‘delights’ shows how innocent Romeo and Juliet were to doing nothing about it.
being dead. die, and creating an uneasy atmosphere. A simile is also used.
Using this suggests that the relationship is dangerous, and
links to fire and powder show that their deaths will be painful
too.

● “O deadly sin! O rude thankfulness!” ● Act 3, Scene 3 ● The Friar is speaking to Romeo about his banishment, describing how he is against ● The repetition of ‘O’ emphasises his exaggerated emotions, ● I feel like the Friar is being too over
his actions. He describes him in an insulting way, also suggesting that his actions and suggest how angry he is at Romeo. ‘Deadly sin’ drags dramatic and insulting Romeo too
deserve more than banishment and instead death. religion into his actions, showing that they were against God harshly, especially as the events could
to try to exaggerate to Romeo the effect of his actions. be argued to be his fault.
● “His own tears made drunk” ● Act 3, Scene 3 ● Talking to the Nurse about the state in which Romeo is in after his banishment, ● Comparing tears to being drunk suggests that his sadness has ● I feel sorry for Romeo here; he is clearly
saying how upset he is. caused him to hallucinate like you are when you are drunk, upset and the Friar isn’t even helping
and showing how much sadness his banishment has caused. him.
● “Like powder in a skill-less soldier's flask, is ● Act 3, Scene 3 ● Translation into modern English- ‘You’re like a stupid soldier whose gunpowder ● A simile is used here, comparing Romeo’s actions to a careless
set afire by his own ignorance” explodes because he’s careless’ soldiers at war. The word ‘ignorance’ is powerful in
understanding how Friar Laurence interprets his actions- as
careless. Saying he is ‘skill-less’ emphasises how naïve he
finds him, and how little he thinks Romeo thought about his
actions.

● “No warmth, no breath shall testify thou ● Act 4, Scene 1 ● The Friar is closely analysing the effects that the poison will have on Juliet’s body by ● The repetition of the word ‘no’ emphasises the inactivity that ● I feel scared for Juliet’s welfare, and
livest; the roses in thy lips and cheeks shall ● doing so in an emphasised way. He begins by saying how she will go cold and Juliet’s body will go through and also emphasises how near to annoyed at the Friar. The Friar is putting
fade” ● discoloured, then he describes how taking it will be like death, and remove her death she will be. ‘Supply of government’ means power of Juliet into danger, and trying to
● “Like death when he shuts up the day of life; ● (Also mention lifeless self. movement, and shows that she will be motionless when she reiterate this in a menacing way.
each part, depriv’d of supply government” imperative try) takes the poison.

● “For ‘twas your heaven she should be ● Act 4, Scene 5 ● Friar Lawrence is telling the families what have happened to Juliet, despite the fact that he knows that she is actually alive. He tries to do so in an ● I feel hatred towards the Friar as he is
advancs’d and weep ye now, seeing she is emotional and caring way by mentioning Heaven. Adding a religious aspect emphasising the loss of Juliet, and how she will be in a happy place now. lying about a very pressing issue.
advance’d”
● “Romeo, there dead, was husband to that ● Act 5, scene 3 ● 999Revision
It is Friar Laurence who tells the Prince, -the
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the Capulets the whole story after Romeo and Juliet have died. ● I feel a bit of sympathy for the Friar
Juliet” ● He reveals the secret marriage and the events leading to the deaths. This makes the families realise the parts they played in the deaths of their own because his words mean well- he is
children.
Benvolio

● Quote ● Act ● Explained ● Language technique ● How I feel

● “Part, fools! Put up your ● Act 1, Scene 1 ● The Capulets and the Montagues have just been fighting in the ● The lexis ‘fools’ shows that he finds their behaviour ● The bravery of his words here
swords, you know not street. Being the peace keeper, Benvolio is quick to stop them. foolish, as he feels like he knows better than them. are inspiring; the way he tries
what you do! When he says ‘you know what to do!’ it makes the other to keep peace despite being a
characters feel foolish; he feels like he knows the correct Montague captures his peace
behaviour and yet his peers don’t keeping manner.
● “Liberty unto thine ● Act 1, Scene 1 ● Benvolio has released that Romeo is very upset about how ● The noun ‘liberty’ almost acts as a metaphor; Benvolio ● I admire Benvolio’s character
eyes, Examine other Rosaline doesn’t love him. He is therefore trying to give feels like Romeo’s eyes are currently trapped onto here; he is giving constructive
beauties” constructive advice to Romeo; move away from Rosaline as Rosaline. If he frees them up however, he will be open advice which is much needed
there are others who are beautiful. to other women. The verb ‘examine’ is telling him to to fix Romeo’s sorrow
look for other women. It has a deeper meaning
however; Romeo is more interested in the women’s
appearance.
● “Think thy swan a ● Act 1, Scene 2 ● Having seen that Rosaline’s name is on the list for the Capulet’s ● A metaphor is used here to compare Rosaline to other ● Once again, Benvolio’s
crow” party, Romeo and Benvolio have decided to go. Benvolio feels women that may be there. Swans are white and character is giving vital advice
however that Romeo should take this as an opportunity to look beautiful whereas swans are black and ugly, so Benvolio to change Romeo’s mood
out for other women, and not just focus on Rosaline. feels like going to the party will change Romeo’s opinion which I feel is very thoughtful.
on what beauty really looks like.
● “No Cupid hoodwink’d ● Act 1, Scene 4 ● Just before Romeo, Mercutio and Benvolio break into the party, ● This is an allusion to Cupid; a conventional image of ● His speech here of what to do
with a scarf… scaring Romeo is scared so Benvolio is giving precise actions on how love. He is first saying that Cupid is blindfolded, showing is good advice, showing once
the ladies like a crow- they are going to behave. Benvolio feels that they shouldn’t opt that love is blind. A simile is used comparing this to again his caring side.
keeper” for the typical opening of making a long speech to charm the being a scarecrow; they scare people and dressing up
ladies. like this would also scare people.
● “These hot days, is the ● Act 3, Scene 1 ● Benvolio says this before the fight scene, and knows that people ● Pathetic fallacy is used here. The adjective ‘mad’ links ● Because I know that Benvolio’s
mad blood stirring” get angry and violent in hot weather. Shakespeare links the not only the anger that Tybalt, Mercutio and later words literally foreshadow the
weather and the emotions of the character, it shows how the Romeo feel, but also link the actions that will take place actions, I feel uneasy; how can
characters are changeable and prone to sudden mood swings; as crazy. The words create a tense and ominous the Benvolio know something
like the weather is. atmosphere because they leave the audience expecting bad will happen?
that something bad is going to happen. Also, the word
‘blood’ links death and anger; the fact that it is stirring
conveys anger.

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 Mercutio

● Quote ● Ac ● Explained ● Language technique ● How I feel

t
‘You are a lover. ● Act This is said by Mercutio after Romeo has talke about his nimble By using an allusion, Mercutio is giving advice about Romeo and Rosaline and saying that Romeo should use Cupid’s wings to fly away to I feel like Mercutio is trying to be a good
Borrow Cupid’s 1, shoes. Here Mercutio is referring to Cupid; Cupid is the God of a new lover. He says this after Romeo mentions his ‘nimble soles’. This could suggest that Mercutio wants Romeo to have Cupid’s wings friend here and wants to give Romeo
wings and soar Sce love. to make him lighter on the dance floor. genuine advice
with them above ne
a common 4
bound’
● ‘I conjure ● Act Mercutio is making fun of Romeo here. The word ‘conjure’ (a verb) is repeated throughout the paragraph. Mercutio is mocking Romeo and Rosaline’s relationship saying that I dislike Mercutio’s character here.
thee by 2, Mercutio doesn’t know about Juliet at this point which could show Romeo is calling Rosaline without there being love. The list of adjectives describing Rosaline’s body describes her as a physical object, in Before he was giving Romeo advice but
Rosaline’s Sce that Romeo doesn’t have the most trust in his friend. a sexual way, rather than thinking about their actual love. Mercutio thinks of women has objects rather than lovers. now he is making fun of the fact Romeo
bright eyes, ne is struggling to be with Rosaline.
her fine 1
foot…’
●

● ‘If love be ● Act Mercutio is repeating an allusion referring to Cupid, as done This refers to Cupid and his arrows. A blind Cupid could not hit his mark, meaning the lovers could not fall in love. Mercutio seems to Mercutio’s use of a sexual language
blind, love 2, previously in Act 1 scene 4. He refers to Cupid in a sexual way, have no hope on Romeo and Rosaline, like a blind Cupid would have no luck hitting a target. This could also imply that Mercutio is again makes me dislike his character once
cannot hit Sce showing his bawdy side. implying sexual love with Rosaline- Romeo has so far failed to have sex with Rosaline, and Mercutio believes they have no hope. So, he again. His lack of sympathy for Romeo
the mark.’ ne could also be using it as a metaphor. shows he is an untrustworthy friend.
● 1
●

● ‘Men’s eyes ● Act Mercutio says this at the start of the fight scene. At this point, The verb ‘gaze’ depicts the crowd as amazed, unable to look away, and implies that he imagines they see him as unique and spectacular Mercutio’s ignorance here is pitiful. This
were made 3, Mercutio knows he shouldn’t fight, and Benvolio has told him to He behaves as if he doesn’t care what others think of him. Shakespeare repeats the pronoun ‘I’ at the beginning and end of the line to inevitably results in his death later in the
to look, and sce stop. Despite this, he is proud of fighting. emphasise Mercutio’s show of arrogant confidence scene.
let them ne
gaze; 1
● I will not
budge for
no man’s
pleasure,’
● ‘A plague o’ ● Act Mercutio is dying and he is cursing both the houses, The word ‘plague’ is a negative noun which shows how angry he is. The plague killed millions of people, so this infers that he wants I begin to feel sorry for Mercutio here as
both your 3, foreshadowing future events. something bad to happen to everyone in both families. The exclamation mark emphasises his vexation. This quote is foreshadowing as his death feels like it was a result of the
houses!’ sce both houses suffer from these actions. Could Mercutio be the catalyst? He is the one who began the fight. This quote is repeated brawl between the households, and not
● ne throughout which implies that he really means it. An Elizabethan audience would have understood that a plague is something to be his fault.
● 1 feared.
●

● ‘Ask for me ● Act Also said whilst he is dying, using a double pun. This shows Mercutio combines humour into his death. The fact that he is making jokes as he is dying emphasises his comic personality to the When I am reminded of Mercutio’s
tomorrow, 3, Mercutio’s more comedic side. audience. playful side I instantly feel sorry for him.
and you Sce The juxtaposition of Mercutio’s humour and his sudden severe injury makes his death much more shocking. The double entendre has Maybe his death was preventable?
shall find ne two meanings- ‘grave’ can mean serious, or it can refer to a literal grave, where one is buried after death. This is humorous as this is
me a grave 1 serious, and he will die from these wounds. The pun reminds us that Mercutio is actually a likeable character, who has just been killed.
man. I am
peppered’
●

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Paris

● Quote ● Act ● Explained ● Language technique ● How I feel

●
“Of honourable ●
Act 1, Scene ●
Paris is trying to persuade Capulet to ●
‘Honourable reckoning’ can have two ●
These are Paris’ very first
reckoning are you 2 let him marry Juliet, and does so by meanings which both suggest that Paris words, and show an instant
both” trying to charm him as much as respects the Capulet’s. It can mean both manner of trying to impress,
possible. good reputation and also good age, showing making me have a mutual
that he feels like Juliet is ready to marry opinion for Paris.
him.
●
“My lord, I would ●
Act 3, Scene ●
Paris is talking to Capulet. Despite the ●
‘My lord’ is very formal, showing that Paris ●
I dislike Paris here as despite
that Thursday were 5 whole family mourning over Tybalt’s is desperately trying to be polite with the bad time the family are
tomorrow” death, Paris is extremely desperate to Capulet. He says that he ‘would that going through, he is pestering
marry Juliet asap. Thursday were tomorrow’, showing that he them to let him marry Juliet.
wants the marriage to come sooner.
●
“My father Capulet” ●
Act 4, Scene ●
In the Friar’s cell. Even though they aren’t yet married, Paris addresses Capulet as if they ●
I find this rude as Paris
1 were related. This shows keenness to be married quickly, so he can be part of the family. places himself as having
importance, despite not yet
being married.
●
“For Venus smiles ●
Act 4, Scene ●
Paris and Juliet haven’t talked as ●
‘Venus’ is the goddess of love. This
not in a house of 1 Juliet is sad about Tybalt. There has metaphor shows why Paris and Juliet
tears” been no romance in a time of grief. haven’t talked; even the God of love who is
nearly always happy wouldn’t be able to
smile at a sad time.
●
“Most detestable ●
Act 4, Scene ●
Paris has just come to the realisation ●
Paris personifies death here. He feels like ●
I do feel sorry for Paris here
Death, by thee 5 that Juliet has died on their wedding death has taken Juliet away from him, and it as he has lost his wife to be.
beguile’d. By cruel, day. He is very unhappy, and also was cruel of it to do so. It is partially his fault though
cruel thee quite feels sorry for Juliet. as he rushed the marriage.
overthrown!”
●
“Banished haughty ●
Act 5, Scene ●
Paris has met Romeo in Juliet’s tomb. He is very annoyed, so insults him. The adjective ●
I understand Paris’ strong
Montague… 3 ‘haughty’ and ‘vile’ both show a distinct hatred, as the words are both associated with emotions here has he has
unhallow’d toil, vile being unpleasant. come to mourn Juliet, but has
Montague” been disturbed.

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Tragedy

● Quote ● Act ● Explained ● Language technique ● How I feel

● ‘Ask for me tomorrow, and ● Act 3, Scene 1 • Mercutio combines humour into his death. The fact that he is making jokes as he is dying emphasises his Whimsical, humorous, flippant
you shall find me a grave comic personality to the audience. ●

man. I am peppered’ • The juxtaposition of Mercutio’s humour and his sudden severe injury makes his death much more shocking
●
• The double entendre has two meanings- ‘grave’ can mean serious, or it can refer to a literal grave, where one
● is buried after death. This is humorous as this is serious, and he will die from these wounds.
• The pun reminds us that Mercutio is actually a likeable character, who has just been killed.
● “O me, O me, my child, my ● Act 4, Scene 5 ● After Juliet has taken the poison, Lady Capulet ● The repetition of ‘o me’ and ‘help’ suggests that she is ● I have mixed emotions of Lady
only life!... Help! Help! Call is the second one to realise Juliet’s fate. She lost for words due to shock. This is emphasised by the Capulet’s response. In one respect, I
help.” uses lots of hyperbolic language here to exclamation marks. The fact that she is calling help feel sorry for her as she is clearly
emphasise the sadness which she feels/ shows that she feels lost and isolated without her devastated. But, when Juliet was
daughter, especially as she calls her her ‘only life!’’; alive she gave her little time and her
she only had one child so Juliet was special. death was cause by her decision for
her to marry Paris.
● “Never was seen so black a ● Act 4, Scene 5 ● The Nurse has just come to the realisation that ● The use of hyperbolic language emphasises how sad ● I feel sorry for the Nurse as she is
day as this” Juliet is dead, and the Nurse is explaining her the death of Juliet has made the Nurse feel; it is the clearing mourning Juliet’s death in
emotions towards it. worst, saddest day of her life. an exaggerated way.
● “O happy dagger… This is thy ● Act 5, scene 3- Just ● Juliet is about to kill herself. She calls the dagger ● The short sentences create the impression that Juliet is ● I feel annoyed here. Juliet has had to
sheath” before she kills ‘happy’ as she wants to kill herself now that hurrying. She is worried about being stopped before she kill herself, mainly due to the split in
herself Romeo has died; she is happy that the dagger can kill herself, so the short sentence creates pace and the families. I feel particularly
has allowed her to do this. So, Juliet is happy adds tension to the play. When Juliet talks about the annoyed that she describes her body
that she has been allowed to do this. dagger as a sheath’, it is interesting. The imagery of her as a ‘sheath’ it shows that her fate has
body as a ‘sheath; creates the impression that the been decided which is unfair.
dagger belongs there, since sheaths are designed to
hold daggers. This emphasises that Juliet was fated to
die. She has fulfilled her destiny as stated in the
prologue.

● “Romeo, there dead, was ● Act 5, scene 3 ● It is Friar Laurence who tells the Prince, the Montagues and the Capulets the whole story after Romeo and ● I feel a bit of sympathy for the Friar
husband to that Juliet” Juliet have died. because his words mean well- he is
● He reveals the secret marriage and the events leading to the deaths. This makes the families realise the parts trying to reunite the families.
they played in the deaths of their own children.

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Fate

● Quote ● Act ● Explained ● Language technique ● How I feel

● “To turn your households’ rancour to ● Act 2, Scene 3 ● Again speaking to Romeo, he hopes that Romeo’s marriage to Juliet will lead ● This foreshadows the end, because the families agree to ● I feel angry at the Friar here, because
pure love” to peace between the two families. Rancour means ‘hatred’, so the Friar stop the fighting once they see the destruction caused by I feel like the deaths were his fault
wants to stop this by marrying them. the feud, meaning this quote acts as a catalyst for their and they were preventable if the
deaths. If the Friar didn’t marry them, the deaths may Friar hadn’t broken the rules of
not have happened. marrying them.

● “These violent delights have violent ends, ● Act 2, Scene 6 ● The Friar says this just before marrying Romeo and Juliet, as he tries to warn ● The repetition of the word ‘violent’ emphasises how ● I feel uneasy as the Friar is clearly
and in their triumph die like fire and them that this relationship is too sudden. He does this by trying to describe extreme the effects are, implying that they will end in a hinting that the marriage is a bad
powder” the effects of the relationships that happen to quickly by comparing it to ‘fire tragic death which they do. The antithesis between the idea and the effects will be brutal,
and powder’. The word ‘delights’ refers to them now, happy and married, and words ‘violent’ and ‘delights’ shows how innocent Romeo yet he is doing nothing about it.
‘ends’ refers to them being dead. and Juliet were to die, and creating an uneasy
atmosphere. A simile is also used. Using this suggests
that the relationship is dangerous, and links to fire and
powder show that their deaths will be painful too.

● ‘A plague o’ both your houses!’ ● Act 3, scene 1 The word ‘plague’ is a negative noun which shows how angry he is. The plague killed millions of people, so this infers that he wants something bad I begin to feel sorry for Mercutio here
● to happen to everyone in both families. The exclamation mark emphasises his vexation. This quote is foreshadowing as both houses suffer from as his death feels like it was a result of
these actions. Could Mercutio be the catalyst? He is the one who began the fight. This quote is repeated throughout which implies that he really the brawl between the households, and
means it. An Elizabethan audience would have understood that a plague is something to be feared not his fault.
● “I would the fool were married to her ● Act 3, Scene 5 ● Juliet has refused to marry Paris. Although Lord Capulet is the main person ● The abstract noun ‘fool’ emphasises two things. Firstly, it ● I feel scared for Juliet’s welfare; both
grave” who is enraged with this decision, Lady Capulet isn’t happy either. Here, she shows how she feels about her daughter; she is angry at of her parents are giving her death
feels that if Juliet doesn’t take the decision to marry, then she deserves to her so feels it is right to almost insult her. It also explains threats uncontrollably.
die. the decision; she feels the decision that she made was
foolish.

● ‘Is it e’en so? Then I defy you, star!’ ● Act 5, scene 1 – ● When he says ‘then I defy you stars’, he wants to reject fate because it has ● The use of a question suggests that Romeo is full of shock ● I feel confused as Romeo is going
Romeo has just caused Juliet’s death. Romeo addresses the stars to directly emphasise that he and disbelief. It seems as if he is asking for confirmation of against what he knows must happen;
been told by blames them for Juliet’s death and his misfortune. It also makes his reaction to what he has just heard, which shows his struggle to accept this confidence hasn’t shone this much
Balthasar about the death seem more dramatic, which reinforces the strength of his emotions. the news of the death. before. I also feel scared as going
Juliet’s death. This quote suggest that Romeo is no longer willing to accept his fate like before against fate can’t be a good thing.
which contrasts to his attitude at the start of the play. In act 1, scene 4, he was
asking God to ‘Direct and ‘sail’ him.

● ‘One writ with me in sour misfortune’s ● Act 5, scene 3 – ● The quote shows that Romeo is sympathetic towards Paris, because he realises ● The personification of ‘misfortune’ makes it sound as if ● I feel sad as Romeo makes it like his
book’ Romeo has just hat Paris was unlucky to have come to the tomb when he did. Romeo is so upset someone is actively controlling Romeo and Paris’s lives, death was meant to happen; fate made
slain Paris and is that his feelings took over. The idea that ‘misfortune’ has been written in a emphasising that their bad luck is not their fault it happen. I also feel angry that Romeo
about to kill ‘book’ suggests that their fate is fixed – their lives are like stories whose ending feels like this, as his happiness from
himself with Juliet. has already been decided. Juliet has completely gone.

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 Honour and family

● Quote ● Act ● Explained ● Language technique ● How I feel

● “My only love sprung from my only hate” ● Act 1, scene 5- At the ● Juliet has just realised that Romeo is a Montague, yet Juliet loves him so much that he is her ‘only ● The repetition of the word ‘only’ emphasises that Juliet has just ‘one’ love ● I feel sorry for Juliet here. She has never found
end of the Capulet’s love’. Her ‘only hate’ is the Montague family, because they are the enemies of the Capulet’s and just one ‘hate’, which highlights how serious the situation is. The anyone that she truly loves and she is expected
party when she has repetition also reflects Juliet’s frustration at the situation. The use of by her family to marry. I think that her
discovered Romeo is a oxymorons create a sense of confusion that shows how conflicted Juliet is unlikeness is difficult for the reader as the
Montague feeling about her love for Romeo. They show how difficult her situation is situation is not her fault.
by emphasising that her love is incompatible due to the feud.

● ‘Oh dear account! My life is my foe’s debt’ ● Act 1, scene 5 – ● Romeo is explaining how he feels he has messed up as his life his now in the hands of ● A metaphor is used here as Romeo compares falling in love with ● I feel extremely scared as Romeo’s
Romeo has met the Capulet’s. ‘Dear account’ refers to an expensive debt which he will never be able Juliet as debts; it is a risk for his whole life. ‘Oh dear account!’ is language seems to foreshadow the future
Juliet and has to pay out; the Capulet’s will never accept him. The word ‘foe’ means opposition so a double entre. ‘Dear’ can mean two things; Juliet is dear to him events, yet he is to infatuated to forget
decided it is risky shows that he owes this ‘debt’ to the Capulets. or the debt is dear (costly), as he fears that the Capulets may not about Juliet.
accept Romeo for loving Juliet.

● “A rose… by any other word would smell as sweet” ● Act 2, scene 2- Juliet is ● Juliet is saying that a rose will always smell pleasant, regardless of the name that is used to ● The use of imagery of a rose reflects love. A rose is a symbol of love and ● I feel frustrated here as it makes me angry that
speaking to herself describe it. She means that even though Romeo has the name Montague and belongs to a rival beauty, which reflects Juliet’s love for Juliet. Roses can also be thorny and Juliet is in the position of not being able to love
family, this doesn’t mean that he isn’t a good person. cause pain though, so Shakespeare might be hinting at how Romeo and someone just because of their status. Juliet is
Juliet’s love will end in pain. Her clever use of language, comparing clearly feeling this too using her clever language,
Romeo and her to a rose shows that she believes that family rivals, which makes me feel even more angry about the
reputations and names shouldn’t matter in love. She is in love with rivalry.
Romeo as a person, and not in love with his family name. This emphasises
her anger.

● “To turn your households’ rancour to pure ● Act 2, Scene 3 ● Again speaking to Romeo, he hopes that Romeo’s marriage to Juliet will lead to ● This foreshadows the end, because the families agree to stop ● I feel angry at the Friar here, because I
love” peace between the two families. Rancour means ‘hatred’, so the Friar wants to stop the fighting once they see the destruction caused by the feud, feel like the deaths were his fault and
this by marrying them. meaning this quote acts as a catalyst for their deaths. If the they were preventable if the Friar
Friar didn’t marry them, the deaths may not have happened. hadn’t broken the rules of marrying
them.

● ‘A plague o’ both your houses!’ ● Act 3, scene 1 The word ‘plague’ is a negative noun which shows how angry he is. The plague killed millions of people, so this infers that he wants something bad to happen to everyone in both families. The exclamation
● mark emphasises his vexation. This quote is foreshadowing as both houses suffer from these actions. Could Mercutio be the catalyst? He is the one who began the fight. This quote is repeated throughout
which implies that he really means it. An Elizabethan audience would have understood that a plague is something to be feared
● “Poor sacrifices of our enmity!” ● Act 5, Scene 3 ● One of the last lines of the play, after both Romeo and Juliet have died and he ● ‘Poor sacrifices’ makes Romeo and Juliet seem like they had ● I feel no pity for Capulet here as he is
discovers why their deaths occurred. This quote shows a sense of disbelieve as well to give their lives away due to the feud of the family; they the one who got them in this state;
as remorse as Capulet begins to understand that the deaths of his daughter and her sacrificed their lives (almost like Jesus) so that they would forcefully getting Juliet to marry was a
husband were his fault, and also avoidable. make up. The adjective ‘poor’ emphasises how unlucky they catalyst for the death.
were. The word ‘enmity’ means feeling opposition, suggesting
that Capulet has come to the realisation that due to his
grudge, his daughter had to die.

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Conflict/feud

● Quote ● Act ● Explained ● Language technique ● How I feel

● “Hearless hinds” ● Act 1, Scene 1 ● This is Tybalt’s first line in the play, and he is talking to Benvolio. He uses ● Tybalt uses a double entendre here. He is using a ● I dislike Tybalt’s character
these words to show his opinion of the Montagues as being weak and metaphor to suggest that the Montague’s are like immediately as this acts as an insult
feeble, as a contrast to him; he feels powerful. female deer who are weak and full of fear. He is also which presents the other
using a pun, as the adjective ‘heartless’ is punning on characters as foolish.
the word ‘hartless’ which is a male dear, showing that
the servants lack ‘heart’ so courage, hence calling
them feeble and weak

● “Part, fools! Put up your swords, you ● Act 1, Scene 1 ● The Capulets and the Montagues have just been fighting in the street. ● The lexis ‘fools’ shows that he finds their behaviour ● The bravery of his words here are
know not what you do! Being the peace keeper, Benvolio is quick to stop them. foolish, as he feels like he knows better than them. inspiring; the way he tries to keep
When he says ‘you know what to do!’ it makes the peace despite being a Montague
other characters feel foolish; he feels like he knows the captures his peace keeping manner.
correct behaviour and yet his peers don’t

● “These hot days, is the mad blood ● Act 3, Scene 1 ● Benvolio says this before the fight scene, and knows that people get angry ● Pathetic fallacy is used here. The adjective ‘mad’ links ● Because I know that Benvolio’s
stirring” and violent in hot weather. Shakespeare links the weather and the not only the anger that Tybalt, Mercutio and later words literally foreshadow the
emotions of the character, it shows how the characters are changeable Romeo feel, but also link the actions that will take actions, I feel uneasy; how can the
and prone to sudden mood swings; like the weather is. place as crazy. The words create a tense and ominous Benvolio know something bad will
atmosphere because they leave the audience happen?
expecting that something bad is going to happen. Also,
the word ‘blood’ links death and anger; the fact that it
is stirring conveys anger.

● “Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries ● Act 3, Scene 1 ● This quote is said in the fight scene. Tybalt is talking to Romeo after he has ● The noun ‘boy’ is an insult deliberately used to ● N/A
that thou hast done me; therefore turn talked about Tybalt feeling like family due to Juliet’s close relationship antagonise Romeo and illustrates how Tybalt is
and draw." with Romeo- Tybalt doesn’t know this however. instigating conflict, wanting Romeo to react to the
insult. Tybalt is also being instructive in this quotation,
telling Romeo that he must 'turn and draw.' This also
illustrates how Tybalt is passionate and likes to be in
control.

● “Poor sacrifices of our enmity!” ● Act 5, Scene 3 ● One of the last lines of the play, after both Romeo and Juliet have died ● ‘Poor sacrifices’ makes Romeo and Juliet seem like ● I feel no pity for Capulet here as he
and he discovers why their deaths occurred. This quote shows a sense of they had to give their lives away due to the feud of the is the one who got them in this
disbelieve as well as remorse as Capulet begins to understand that the family; they sacrificed their lives (almost like Jesus) so state; forcefully getting Juliet to
deaths of his daughter and her husband were his fault, and also avoidable. that they would make up. The adjective ‘poor’ marry was a catalyst for the death.
emphasises how unlucky they were. The word ‘enmity’
means feeling opposition, suggesting that Capulet has
come to the realisation that due to his grudge, his
daughter had to die.
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 Love

● Quote ● Act ● Explained ● Language technique ● How I feel

● “Liberty unto thine eyes, Examine other ● Act 1, Scene 1 ● Benvolio has released that Romeo is very upset about how Rosaline doesn’t love ● The noun ‘liberty’ almost acts as a metaphor; Benvolio feels ● I admire Benvolio’s character here; he is
beauties” him. He his therefore trying to give constructive advice to Romeo; move away from like Romeo’s eyes are currently trapped onto Rosaline. If he giving constructive advice which is
Rosaline as there are others who are beautiful. frees them up however, he will be open to other women. The much needed to fix Romeo’s sorrow
verb ‘examine’ is telling him to look for other women. It has a
deeper meaning however; Romeo is more interested in the
women’s appearance.

‘You are a lover. Borrow Cupid’s wings and soar ● Act 1, Scene 4 • This is said after Romeo has said about his nimble shoes. Kind, caring, benevolent
with them above a common bound’ • Cupid is the God of love. ●

• By using an allusion, Mercutio is giving advice about Romeo and Rosaline and saying that Romeo should use Cupid’s wings to fly away to a new lover.
• He says this after Romeo mentions his ‘nimble soles’. This could suggest that Mercutio wants Romeo to have Cupid’s wings to make him lighter on the
dance floor.

● “Go, girl, seek happy nights to happy days” ● Act 1, Scene 3 Juliet is about to go to the Capulets’ party where she is going to meet Paris. Juliet wants ● The phrase ‘happy nights’ means that the Nurse wants her to I feel like the Nurse is trying to be kind to
Juliet to find happiness, whilst at the same time referring to sexual love. find a husband who will make her happy by satisfying her Juliet as they have a good relationship,
sexually. This suggests that the Nurse has a close relationship however I also feel like she is more
with Juliet, as she is not afraid to make vulgar jokes about sex concerned with Juliet’s sexual life then her
and tease Juliet. The quote also suggests that the Nurse is welfare.
keen for Juliet to be happy; she wants her to enjoy life and ●

find her a good husband.

● ‘It is the east, and Juliet is the sun, Arise, fair ● Act 2, scene 2 – ● Romeo is describing Juliet’s window as the east, as it is dark and the sun rises in the ● This is a metaphor as Romeo is closely relating Juliet to the sun. ● I think like Romeo can’t be without Juliet
sun, and kill the envious moon’ Romeo says this as a east, so he is anticipating the arrival of Juliet. This is because Juliet is the sun, and Romeo is comparing Juliet to a celestial object anymore because she is the only thing that
monologue once Juliet moves from the east it will be light again, as the sun rising will break the can take away his sadness. This makes me
anticipating the darkness. Romeo is describing Juliet as the sun as she brings hope and light to his life; feel happy as he has finally found real love,
arrival of Juliet she is the most beautiful thing which is why she is linked to the pureness of white and as before he was infatuated with someone
light. He wants her to ‘kill the envious moon’ which suggests that he doesn’t like the who didn’t love him.
darkness and needs his mood brightened by Juliet. The word envious suggests that
even beautiful creations should be jealous of her, as she is too perfect to be human
This quote once again refers to light and darkness which is repeated throughout.

● “Thy love did read by rote and could not ● Act 2, Scene 3 ● Speaking to Romeo, Friar Laurence is giving advice. ‘By rote’ means learning something by repeating it over and over again, so he is saying that Romeo has ● I fell sorry for Romeo because the Friar
spell” learnt to recite words about Love without understanding what they really mean. This suggests that the Friar feels Romeo is naïve, not actually is quick to judge is relationship with
understanding anything about love. This links to his love for Rosaline. Juliet, despite the fact that the love is
genuine.

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Religion

● Quote ● Act ● Explained ● Language technique ● How I feel

● “And saints have hands that pilgrims ● Act 1, scene 5 ● Romeo and Juliet are using Religious imagery to explain their love for ● The words ‘saints’ here refers to the images of ● I feel pleased for Juliet. She has
hands do touch… You kiss by the each other. After the kiss, Juliet says ‘you kiss by the book’ saints in shrines. This implies that Romeo and Juliet clearly found someone that she
book” are shrines for each other, emphasising each truly loves. I also feel worried
other’s love and importance. The word ‘pilgrims’ though as she doesn’t know he is
exaggerates how religious it is. ‘You kiss by the a Montague.
book’ refers to the Bible, reinforcing the Religious
vibe. It suggests that Juliet has been preparing for
the moment.

● ‘Bright angel… winged messenger of ● Act 2, Scene 2 ● Here, Romeo is describing Juliet as Cupid. Before, Romeo had ● The use of imagery describes her as one of two ● I feel happy for Romeo here
heaven’ negative opinions on cliché images of love, but now that he really things; cupid or an angel. because he is really starting to
loves someone, he has a positive opinion on love. This language could understand what being in love
also be religious. It shows how beautiful Romeo thinks Juliet is, but really feels like.
also how much she idolises her. Her description of her ‘angel’ from
‘heaven’ suggests that she is too beautiful for earth. This suggests
that Romeo is almost worshipping her as if she is from heaven at a
time when it was forbidden to worship anyone other than God.

● “God of my idolatry” ● Act 2, Scene 2 ● Juliet is talking to Romeo, in the balcony scene. Juliet believes that ● The word ‘idolatry’ is worship of an idol. Juliet feels ● N/A
Romeo is like a God figure for her, showing him as having great like she is worshiping Romeo as if she was
importance. worshipping God. This shows true commitment to
each other, as worshipping God id a true
commitment to faith.

● “O deadly sin! O rude ● Act 3, Scene 3 ● The Friar is speaking to Romeo about his banishment, describing ● The repetition of ‘O’ emphasises his exaggerated ● I feel like the Friar is being too
thankfulness!” how he is against his actions. He describes him in an insulting way, emotions, and suggest how angry he is at Romeo. over dramatic and insulting
also suggesting that his actions deserve more than banishment and ‘Deadly sin’ rags religion into his actions, showing Romeo too harshly, especially
instead death. that they were against God to try to exaggerate to as the events could be argued
Romeo the effect of his actions. to be his fault.

● “Tis torture and not mercy. Heaven ● Act 3, Scene 3 ● Romeo has been banished, and is going to have to feel a life without Juliet. This is as bad for Romeo as being dead. This ● I feel very sorry for Romeo here
is here, where Juliet lives” foreshadows the end of the book, as Romeo feels like life without Juliet is like torture. Ironically, this eventually ends in the as he shouldn’t feel like the
death of the characters. banishment needs to be the
end of him.

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