Allusion in Romeo Juliet

Step into the world of Shakespeare’s most celebrated love story, ‘Romeo and Juliet’, and discover its rich tapestry of allusions. Delve into iconic references that elevate the narrative, learn how the Bard masterfully wove them into the tale, and garner insights on integrating similar allusions into your own writings. Ready to traverse Verona’s streets and unveil the secrets of allusion? Read on for a literary journey unlike any other!

What is an Allusion in “Romeo and Juliet”? – Definition

An allusion in “Romeo and Juliet” refers to a brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance that is not elaborated on. Shakespeare uses these allusions to add deeper layers of meaning, evoke emotions, or provide context, drawing from classical works, myths, or other literary texts.

What is an example of an Allusion in “Romeo and Juliet”?

One of the best examples of an allusion in “Romeo and Juliet” is the reference to “Phaeton”. In Act 3, Scene 2, Juliet says, “Give me my Romeo; and, when he shall die, Take him and cut him out in little stars, And he will make the face of heaven so fine That all the world will be in love with night…”. Here, Juliet alludes to the Greek myth of Phaeton, the son of the sun god Helios, who tried to drive his father’s sun chariot and almost set the earth on fire. By referencing this tale, Shakespeare emphasizes the dangerous and uncontrollable nature of love and its potential to disrupt the natural order, much like Phaeton’s reckless actions.

Allusion Examples in “Romeo and Juliet”

“Navigate the intricate web of allusions in Shakespeare’s timeless romance, ‘Romeo and Juliet’. From mythological references to historical figures, the Bard’s clever interplay adds depth and dimension to the love saga. Discover these layered meanings, categorized act by act, scene by scene, and enrich your understanding of this classic.”

Allusion Examples in Romeo and Juliet Act 1, Scene 1

• Mythological Allusion – “She is the fairies’ midwife” refers to Queen Mab, a fairy referenced in English folklore. Mercutio mentions her while describing a dream to Romeo, painting a vivid picture of this tiny creature who influences people’s dreams.

Allusion Examples in Romeo and Juliet Act 1, Scene 4

• Historical Allusion – “This is not Romeo, he’s some other where.” This alludes to Petrarch, an Italian scholar, and poet, and his unrequited love for Laura. Romeo’s infatuation with Rosaline is often compared to this famous courtly love tradition.

Allusion Examples in Romeo and Juliet Act 2, Scene 2

• Astronomical Allusion – “Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven” refers to the brightness of Juliet’s eyes, likening them to stars in the cosmos, emphasizing her beauty and the theme of fate.

Allusion Examples in Romeo and Juliet Act 3, Scene 2

• Mythological Allusion – “Gallop apace, you fiery-footed steeds” alludes to the Greek mythological sun god, Apollo, and his sun chariot. Juliet is impatient for the night to come so she can be with Romeo.

Allusion Examples in Romeo and Juliet Act 4, Scene 3

• Historical Allusion – “As in a vault, an ancient receptacle.” This refers to the ancient catacombs or burial places, emphasizing the danger and desperation of Juliet’s situation.

Allusion Examples in Romeo and Juliet Act 4, Scene 5

• Mythological Allusion – “Death lies on her like an untimely frost” draws parallels to the mythological figure of Death, often personified as a reaper or a cold entity, illustrating the premature nature of Juliet’s “demise.”

Allusion Examples in Romeo and Juliet Act 5, Scene 1

• Historical Allusion – “I dreamt my lady came and found me dead” evokes the age-old superstition that dreaming of one’s death is an ill omen, signifying impending misfortune or calamity.

Allusion Examples in Romeo and Juliet Act 5, Scene 3

• Religious Allusion – “A grave? O, no, a lantern, slaughter’d youth” subtly hints at the Biblical narrative of Jesus’ tomb and resurrection. Romeo refers to the tomb as a lantern, illuminating Juliet’s eternal beauty even in death.
• Mythological Allusion – “Here’s to my love! [Drinks]” Romeo’s last toast to Juliet before drinking the poison mirrors the tragic tales of doomed lovers in mythology, reinforcing the play’s recurring theme of unrelenting fate.
• Historical Allusion – “Seal with a righteous kiss” brings forth the memory of the Biblical narrative of Judas betraying Jesus with a kiss. While Romeo’s kiss is filled with love and sorrow, the act of sealing one’s fate with a kiss is a powerful symbol echoed throughout history.
• Mythological Allusion – “Thou desperate pilot, now at once run on the dashing rocks thy seasick weary bark!” Romeo addresses himself as a pilot, hinting at the Greek mythological character Odysseus, navigating treacherous waters and facing myriad challenges, which in Romeo’s context, represents his tumultuous journey of love.

Allusion Examples in Romeo and Juliet Act 5, Scene 3

• Nature Allusion – “Flowers are the buds of tomorrow” subtly suggests the cyclical nature of life, growth, and rebirth. Despite the tragedy, life continues to move forward and flourish, just as flowers bloom after the harshest of winters.
• Historical Allusion – “Death, that hath sucked the honey of thy breath” parallels the story of Cleopatra and the asp. Much like Cleopatra’s venomous snake, death has claimed Romeo, but the “honey” — the sweetness and life — remains in memories.

Allusion Examples in Romeo and Juliet Act 5, Scene 3

• Literary Allusion – “Like a poor prisoner in his twisted gyves” recalls the medieval practice of restraining prisoners with iron chains or shackles. This evokes a sense of Romeo being trapped by his circumstances, much like a prisoner confined against his will.
• Biblical Allusion – “These violent delights have violent ends” carries a shade of the Biblical wisdom “Those who live by the sword, die by the sword,” emphasizing the inevitable consequences of intense passions.
• Classical Allusion – “A glooming peace this morning with it brings” subtly harks to the Greek tragedies, where dawn often brings resolution, albeit melancholic, after a tumultuous series of events.
• Mythological Allusion – “I will bury thee in a triumphant grave” hints at the grand tombs of legendary heroes and gods. Despite the circumstances of their deaths, Romeo and Juliet are given the reverence of legends in their final resting place.

Allusion Examples in Romeo and Juliet Act 5, Scene 3

• Literary Allusion – “Eyes, look your last!” calls back to the age-old poetic tradition of bidding farewell, as seen in many elegies and laments. It’s a moment where Romeo takes a pause to etch the image of Juliet in his memory forever.
• Historical Allusion – “With worms that are thy chambermaids” echoes the memento mori artistic and philosophical tradition, reminding viewers of the inevitability of death and the transient nature of human life.
• Biblical Allusion – “Shake the yoke of inauspicious stars” alludes to the Biblical notion of shaking off one’s sins or burdens. Here, Romeo wants to rid himself of the unfortunate fate that destiny has thrust upon them.

What is the allusion of the prologue of Romeo and Juliet?

The prologue of “Romeo and Juliet” serves as a sonnet, previewing the tragic tale of two young lovers from feuding families. This prologue, delivered by the Chorus, sets the scene and tone for the play and contains a few noteworthy allusions:

1. “Star-crossed lovers” – This term refers to the ancient belief in astrology, where the stars and planets determined one’s fate. To be “star-crossed” means that the stars are aligned against the lovers, suggesting that their relationship was doomed from the start due to cosmic forces beyond their control.

2. “Two households, both alike in dignity” – Here, Shakespeare alludes to the equal status and nobility of the Montagues and Capulets. The term “dignity” doesn’t only denote their social standing but implies a certain expected decorum and nobility, which makes their bitter feud all the more tragic and senseless.

3. “Ancient grudge” – The use of the word “ancient” suggests that this feud is not a recent occurrence but is deeply rooted in history. This allusion adds depth to the conflict, indicating that the hatred between the two families has been passed down through generations.

By using these allusions in the prologue, Shakespeare provides the audience with a lens through which they can view the forthcoming events. The prologue becomes a powerful tool, setting up the inevitability of the tragedy that will unfold.

What is the allusion of Diana in Romeo and Juliet?

Diana, also known as Artemis in Greek mythology, is the goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and chastity. The allusion to Diana in “Romeo and Juliet” is a significant one:

In Act 1, Scene 5, Romeo speaks of Juliet’s beauty at the Capulet’s feast:

“O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!
It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night
Like a rich jewel in an Ethiope’s ear;
Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear!
So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows,
As yonder lady o’er her fellows shows.
The measure done, I’ll watch her place of stand,
And, touching hers, make blessed my rude hand.
Did my heart love till now? forswear it, sight!
For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night.”

Juliet is compared to a dove among crows, which can be related to Diana, who is often symbolized with doves and deer, representing purity and innocence. Furthermore, in Act 2, Scene 2 (the famous balcony scene), Romeo speaks of Juliet as being brighter than the moon, which Diana is also commonly associated with. He urges Juliet to “kill the moon” with her brightness. This allusion serves to emphasize Juliet’s virginal purity, beauty, and her illuminating presence in Romeo’s life.

In using the allusion of Diana, Shakespeare reinforces the idea of untainted love and the intense passion Romeo feels for Juliet, viewing her as a divine entity, untouchable and above all else.

What is the allusion of Phoebus in “Romeo and Juliet”?

In classical mythology, Phoebus is another name for Apollo, the god of the sun. The allusion to Phoebus in “Romeo and Juliet” is employed to emphasize the concept of time and the relentless march of the day.

In Act 3, Scene 5, Romeo and Juliet are having a discussion about whether it is time for Romeo to leave. Juliet tries to convince Romeo that it is still night, saying:

“Yond light is not daylight, I know it, I: It is some meteor that the sun exhales, To be to thee this night a torch-bearer, And light thee on thy way to Mantua: Therefore stay yet; thou need’st not to be gone.”

To which Romeo replies:

“Let me be ta’en, let me be put to death; I am content, so thou wilt have it so. I’ll say yon grey is not the morning’s eye, ‘Tis but the pale reflex of Cynthia’s brow; Nor that is not the lark, whose notes do beat The vaulty heaven so high above our heads: I have more care to stay than will to go: Come, death, and welcome! Juliet wills it so. How is’t, my soul? let’s talk; it is not day.”

Here, the lark is traditionally recognized as the herald of dawn. Juliet doesn’t want to acknowledge the day because that would mean Romeo has to leave. She later admits:

“It is, it is: hie hence, be gone, away! It is the lark that sings so out of tune, Straining harsh discords and unpleasing sharps. Some say the lark makes sweet division; This doth not so, for she divideth us: Some say the lark and loathed toad change eyes, O, now I would they had changed voices too! Since arm from arm that voice doth us affray, Hunting thee hence with hunt’s-up to the day, O, now be gone; more light and light it grows.”

Phoebus, or Apollo, as the sun god, symbolizes the advancing day which forces the lovers to part, emphasizing the tragic separation they must endure and the danger Romeo faces if he stays.

How to Use a Literary Allusion? – Step by Step Guide

1. Know Your Audience: Ensure that the allusion you’re using is one your target audience will recognize. An allusion is effective only if it’s understood by the reader.
2. Choose Relevant Allusions: The allusion should have a direct connection or relevance to the topic or theme you’re discussing.
3. Avoid Overuse: While allusions can be powerful, they can lose their impact if overused. Choose them carefully and use sparingly.
4. Integrate Naturally: An allusion should feel like a natural part of the text, not forced or out of place.
5. Provide Context: Although the purpose of an allusion is for it to be recognized and not explicitly explained, sometimes a little context can help ensure the reader understands the reference.
6. Stay True to the Source: While interpreting the allusion creatively is great, it’s also important to respect and stay true to its original source.

Tips for Using Literary Allusion

1. Update Classic Allusions: Modernizing classic allusions can make them more relatable to a contemporary audience.
2. Use Allusion for Layered Meaning: Allusions can add a deeper layer of meaning to your writing, allowing for a richer reader experience.
3. Encourage Engagement: Picking up on an allusion can be like solving a riddle for the reader, making them more engaged and invested in the text.
4. Enhance Imagery: Allusions can be used to create vivid imagery or emotions in the reader’s mind, enhancing the narrative or theme of the work.
5. Cross-check for Accuracy: Always make sure you’ve got your references right. An incorrect allusion can be jarring and diminish your credibility.

Remember, the goal of using an allusion is to enhance the reader’s understanding and enjoyment of your work, so choose and craft them with care.