Figurative Language
in
Shakespeare’s
“Romeo and Juliet”
What is Figurative Language?
 Figurative
language is poetic
language that helps a writer
convey meaning.
Types of Figurative Language
 Similes
 Metaphors
 Personification
 Sensory
Images
 Hyperbole
 Apostrophe
Similes
An example of a simile is:
Act 1, Sc. 5, Line 44-45

“It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night
Like a rich jewel in an Ethiop’s ear—”
A
simile is a comparison of two unlike things,
using the words “like” or “as”
Metaphors
An example of a metaphor is:
Act 1, Sc. 5, Line 97

“My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand…”
A
metaphor is a comparison of two
unlike things.
Sensory Images
An example of a sensory image is:
Act 1, Sc. 5, Line 47

“ So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows…”
A
sensory image is a word picture
that describes an experience of one of
the five senses.
Personification

An example of personification is:
Act 1, Sc. 1, Line 168
“ …O brawling love, O loving hate!”
Personification
is when objects, animals
or ideas are given human characteristics
Hyperbole
An example of hyperbole is:
Act 1, Sc. 5, Line 52

“ For I never saw true beauty till this night.”
Hyperbole
is exaggerating a thought
or feeling to make it stand out.
Apostrophe
An example of apostrophe is:
Act 1, Sc. 5, Line 125

“ O dear account. My life is my foe’s debt.”
Apostrophe is addressing an absent
(or dead) person, inanimate object or
idea.
Assignment
Read Act II, Sc. 2 and find the following:
4 similes
4 metaphors
2 sensory images
2 examples of personification
2 examples of hyperbole
1 example of apostrophe
 Identify them by the act, scene and line
numbers.
