Shakespeare’s plays are filled with examples of figurative language, language that means something other than its literal meanin
g and expresses ideas in vivid and imaginative ways. In Romeo and Juliet, Romeo says: “But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?
It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.
Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,
Who is already sick and pale with grief
That thou, her maid, art far more fair than she...”
Shakespeare shows Juliet’s radiance by comparing her to the sun using figurative language: the metaphor “Juliet is the sun.” He also uses personification, saying the moon is “envious” and “sick and pale with grief” that Juliet is more beautiful than it is.
Why does the author of this passage include a quotation from Romeo and Juliet?
A
to describe where the play Romeo and Juliet takes place
B
to support her argument that Shakespeare’s language was not very imaginative
C
to describe Romeo’s character traits in the play Romeo and Juliet
D
to give examples of figurative language in Shakespeare’s plays
