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Dramatic Irony
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Key Examples in Romeo and Juliet
Act 2, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Juliet vs. Rosaline:
Rosaline and Juliet can be considered foils with diverging paths in the play. Both women are the objects of Romeo's love, though Romeo's obsession for Rosaline comes to seem superficial compared to his love for Juliet, which affords him the strength to defy their families' ancient rivalry.
Related Themes:
Act 2, Scene 2
Explanation and Analysis—Juliet vs. Rosaline:
Rosaline and Juliet can be considered foils with diverging paths in the play. Both women are the objects of Romeo's love, though Romeo's obsession for Rosaline comes to seem superficial compared to his love for Juliet, which affords him the strength to defy their families' ancient rivalry.
Related Themes:
Act 2, Scene 4
Explanation and Analysis—Mercutio vs. Romeo:
Mercutio and Romeo, though close friends and kinsmen, can also be viewed as foils. Romeo is shy, romantic, and tender-hearted, which Mercutio often mocks him for. For example, Mercutio tells Romeo in Act 2, Scene 4 that "this driveling love is like a great natural that runs lolling up and down to hide his bauble in a hole," scornfully comparing Romeo's obsessive interest in Rosaline to a "great natural," or a jester-like fool.
Related Themes:
Act 3, Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Mercutio vs. Romeo:
Mercutio and Romeo, though close friends and kinsmen, can also be viewed as foils. Romeo is shy, romantic, and tender-hearted, which Mercutio often mocks him for. For example, Mercutio tells Romeo in Act 2, Scene 4 that "this driveling love is like a great natural that runs lolling up and down to hide his bauble in a hole," scornfully comparing Romeo's obsessive interest in Rosaline to a "great natural," or a jester-like fool.
Related Themes:
