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Allegory
Definition of Allusion
In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to other literary works, famous individuals, historical events, or philosophical ideas... read full definition
In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to other literary works, famous individuals... read full definition
In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to... read full definition
Act 1, Scene 4
Explanation and Analysis—Mercutio's Language:
Mercutio's language is arguably the most intricate and advanced in the entire play. His linguistic cunning lends him power and status among the other noblemen—all of whom use language as a weapon—and highlights both his sense of humor and his deep-seated cynicism about conventional notions of life and love.
For instance, in Act 1, Scene 4, Mercutio uses personification to explain his views on dreams to Romeo:
True, I talk of dreams,
Which are the children of an idle brain,
Begot of nothing but vain fantasy,
Which is as thin of substance as the air
And more inconstant than the wind, who woos
Even now the frozen bosom of the north
And, being angered, puffs away from thence,
Turning his side to the dew-dropping south.
Related Themes:
Act 2, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Mercutio's Language:
Mercutio's language is arguably the most intricate and advanced in the entire play. His linguistic cunning lends him power and status among the other noblemen—all of whom use language as a weapon—and highlights both his sense of humor and his deep-seated cynicism about conventional notions of life and love.
For instance, in Act 1, Scene 4, Mercutio uses personification to explain his views on dreams to Romeo:
Unlock with LitCharts A+True, I talk of dreams,
Which are the children of an idle brain,
Begot of nothing but vain fantasy,
Which is as thin of substance as the air
And more inconstant than the wind, who woos
Even now the frozen bosom of the north
And, being angered, puffs away from thence,
Turning his side to the dew-dropping south.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Greek and Roman Mythology:
Romeo and Juliet features several allusions to Greek and Roman mythology. Such allusions are common features of Shakespeare's plays, which drew heavily on ancient legends. In Romeo and Juliet, they serve to underscore the importance of divinity; at the same time, they augment the characters' ornate, lyric dialogue and help reveal their desires, intentions, and beliefs.
Unlock with LitCharts A+
Related Themes:
Act 2, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Greek and Roman Mythology:
Romeo and Juliet features several allusions to Greek and Roman mythology. Such allusions are common features of Shakespeare's plays, which drew heavily on ancient legends. In Romeo and Juliet, they serve to underscore the importance of divinity; at the same time, they augment the characters' ornate, lyric dialogue and help reveal their desires, intentions, and beliefs.
Unlock with LitCharts A+
Related Themes:
Act 2, Scene 4
Explanation and Analysis—Mercutio's Language:
Mercutio's language is arguably the most intricate and advanced in the entire play. His linguistic cunning lends him power and status among the other noblemen—all of whom use language as a weapon—and highlights both his sense of humor and his deep-seated cynicism about conventional notions of life and love.
For instance, in Act 1, Scene 4, Mercutio uses personification to explain his views on dreams to Romeo:
Unlock with LitCharts A+True, I talk of dreams,
Which are the children of an idle brain,
Begot of nothing but vain fantasy,
Which is as thin of substance as the air
And more inconstant than the wind, who woos
Even now the frozen bosom of the north
And, being angered, puffs away from thence,
Turning his side to the dew-dropping south.
Related Themes:
Act 3, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Greek and Roman Mythology:
Romeo and Juliet features several allusions to Greek and Roman mythology. Such allusions are common features of Shakespeare's plays, which drew heavily on ancient legends. In Romeo and Juliet, they serve to underscore the importance of divinity; at the same time, they augment the characters' ornate, lyric dialogue and help reveal their desires, intentions, and beliefs.
Unlock with LitCharts A+
Related Themes:
