Question

What is the significance of Romeo and Juliet’s first interaction taking place within the form of a sonnet? What does the use of an extended religious metaphor indicate about their feelings? In the space provided, write a 150-word response analyzing why Shakespeare chose to structure Romeo and Juliet’s initial meeting this way and what he intended to convey about the characters and their relationship. Include at least three specific references to the text.

Answer 1

Answer: When Romeo first lays his eyes on Juliet he instantly is in awe of her beauty and breaks into a sonnet in order to portray the intensity of his feelings. He describes her as a star against the darkness which is an insight on their starstruck relationship.

The wording chosen by the author allows us to empathize with their characters and their intense love for one another, for example, the following  ''Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight''.

Also ''For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night''  is meant to highlight his admiration for her out of this world gorgeousness.