Thursday, January 14, 2016

What are examples of indirect and direct characterization in "Romeo and Juliet"?

An example of indirect characterization comes from Act 1, scene 5.  In this scene, Romeo has seen Juliet for the first time and is commenting on her beauty.  Romeo says, "O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! / It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night / Like a rich jewel in an Ethiope's ear; / Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear!" (Act I, sc. v)

Whereas there are many examples of indirect characterization in this play, there are far less examples of direct characterization and are sometimes difficult to locate because of the language of Shakespeare.  The example of direct characterization occurs in Act 2 , scene 4, when Romeo is discussing Mercutio's love of himself with the Nurse.  In this examples, Romeo says, "A gentleman, nurse, that loves to hear himself talk, / and will speak more in a minute than he will stand / to in a month." (Act II, sc. iv)

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