Question

Read the pun, keeping in mind that a jest is a joke and a pump is a shoe. Mercutio: Well said; follow me this jest now till thou hast worn out the pump, that, when the single sole of it is worn, the jest may remain after the wearing sole singular. Romeo: O single-soled jest! solely singular for the singleness. —Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare Which words are used as puns in these lines? What effect do the puns have on the passage?.

Answer 1

A Pun means playing with words that sound alike or have more than one meaning. Therefore, 'single' and 'sole' are used as puns in these lines. A pun adds a comedic effect and a sense of irony to the passage. Sometimes it also creates a mockery effect in the passage.

What is a Pun?

A Pun means to use the meaning of the words interchangeably to crack a joke or to make a satire.

William Shakespeare has used single and sole as a Pun here. Mercutio is saying that Romeo has cracked a silly joke, the fine skin of the pump (shoes) is all worn out, and the joke is the only thing he is left with. This has created a sense of humor and comedic effect in the passage.

Therefore, 'single' and 'sole' are used as puns in the passage which are creating a humorous effect in the passage.

Learn more about 'pun', here,

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