Monday, November 10, 2014

What is an example of a metaphor in Act 3, scene 3 of Romeo and Juliet?

A good example of a metaphor in Act 3, scene 3 of Romeo and Juliet is spoken by Friar Laurence in the first few lines of the scene: 


FRIAR LAURENCE: Romeo, come forth. Come forth, thou fearful man. / Afflication is enamored of thy parts, / And thou art wedded to calamity. (III.iii.1-3)


First, Friar Laurence personifies affliction, giving it the ability to be "enamored" of Romeo. What he means in this line is that...

A good example of a metaphor in Act 3, scene 3 of Romeo and Juliet is spoken by Friar Laurence in the first few lines of the scene: 



FRIAR LAURENCE: Romeo, come forth. Come forth, thou fearful man. / Afflication is enamored of thy parts, / And thou art wedded to calamity. (III.iii.1-3)



First, Friar Laurence personifies affliction, giving it the ability to be "enamored" of Romeo. What he means in this line is that Romeo attracts trouble. The next line, however, is the metaphor: 



"Thou art wedded to calamity" 



Romeo is not actually married to calamity, a word which is a synonym for disaster. It would be impossible to "marry" calamity. Rather, the relationship between Romeo and calamity is a metaphor. Friar Laurence is suggesting that Romeo's choices bring about disaster. He also suggests that Romeo's literal marriage to Juliet is a calamity. Their relationship has brought destruction and Romeo has been banished. The deaths of Mercutio and Tybalt are not directly linked to Romeo and Juliet's relationship, but the couple's marriage has definitely ushered in a period of great calamity. 

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