Figurative Language and Sound Devices in Romeo and Juliet

In Act II of Romeo and Juliet, you will encounter a lot of poetic language, especially when Romeo and Juliet speak to one another. Shakespeare used a lot of literary devices in the lines of this play, so being able to identify them will help with your comprehension of the text. In this interactivity, review a list of figurative language techniques and sound devices with examples from the play. Click the player button to begin.

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The Use of Stage Directions

As you were reading the first act of Romeo and Juliet, you probably noticed how stage directions helped you to understand how the action of the play would unfold on the stage. Stage directions are written instructions in a script, often appearing in italics or brackets. They can indicate stage actions, delivery of lines by performers, and production requirements such as costumes, lighting, or props. Of course, stage directions are not read aloud by the actors. The script of Romeo and Juliet uses stage directions to indicate stage entrances and exits, stage actions, and asides. In this interactivity, click the three ways that stage directions are used in Romeo and Juliet to view examples from the first act. Click the player button to begin.

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Reading Act II of Romeo and Juliet

Act II of Romeo and Juliet is full of figurative language, sound devices, and stage directions. In this act, you will explore the famous balcony scene in which Juliet says the line "Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?" Access and read Act II of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. Use this interactivity as an accompaniment to studying the second act. Before you read each scene from Act II, scroll down the parchment paper for a brief introduction to the scene. Click the player button to begin.

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Act II of Romeo and Juliet Review

Now that you have reviewed figurative language and sound devices and explored the second act of Romeo and Juliet, it is time to review your knowledge and practice what you have learned. In this non-graded activity, read the literary terms and use the drop-down menus to select the definition that matches each term. Click the player button to get started.