Allusion in Romeo and Juliet


Allusion

 It is an indirect reference to a place and person or that has historical, mythological or literary significance called an Allusion.  The audience or readers are aware of the philosophical or historical significance of that references, and can understand its relationship with the context of the play.  Roman or Greek mythologies are used in Shakespeare tragedies.

 Examples in Romeo and Juliet:

1. “All so soon as the cheering sun should in the farthest east begin to draw.

The shady curtain from Aurora’s bed”

  • Lord Montague refers the Goddess of dawn Aurora to Romeo for he has seen Romeo crying at dawn.  Romeo keeps all the worries to himself and keeps him awake at night.  He sleeps at dawn when the goddess of Aurora awakes and ascent the sky.

2. “you are a lover Borrow cupid’s wings o

And soar with them above a common bound” (i.iv)

  • Mercutio says this to Romeo.  Cupid’s wings are the symbol of his unpredictable nature, and his ability to make people fall in love quickly.  Mercutio comforts Romeo that he should show more strength than average man.

 3. “O, then I see queen Mab hath been with you…. in shape no longer bigger than an agate stone.”

  • Mercutio again makes a reference to Queen Mab, the queen of fairies.  She helps people of the dreams.  Mercutio advises Romeo that dreams are merely an imagination.  Romeo being a young teen getting emotional by his dream is absurd as an adult entertain the queen Mab.

4. “Doust thou love me?  I know thou will say…... they say, Jove laughs (ii.ii)

  • Juliet refers to Jove the king of gods in Roman mythology.  One of the duties of Jove was to ensure that people abide by their promises or pledges.  Juliet asks Rome’s sincerity and honesty in love.  Even if Romeo lies Jove would not mind as he pays no concern to unfaithful lovers.

5.“Tybalt, you rat catcher, will you walk?” (iii.i)

  • Mercutio makes a reference to a character named Tybalt in the tale “Reynard the Fox”  this character is quarrelsome and pictured as a rat catcher.  Same way in Romeo and Juliet Tybalt is portrayed as an aggressive character.

 


 

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