Romeo, Oh Romeo, Wherefore art thou Romeo?

Act II Scene ii could be seen as one of the famous scenes of Shakespeare's play, Romeo and Juliet. It is commonly known as the "Balcony Scene" because Juliet appears on a small balcony outside her bedroom window, and exchanges words, expresses true love with Romeo who is standing below in her father's orchard. The scene is famous for its moving and vivid images used to express the “forbidden love” between two people of contrasting nature. Shakespeare’s use of diction, syntax and other narrative devices further enhance the emotions expressed by two lovers who are desperately in love, added with the atmospheric nature of passion and secrecy.

Diction illustrated in the passage shows the difference in the emotional state of Romeo and Juliet. Juliet expresses her fear of what will happen to Romeo if he is seen. Words such as “death” and “murder” shows her practical concern for Romeo and the danger he is in. Unlike Romeo, her words are very direct: “How cam’st thou hither, tell me, and wherefore?”; “if they do see thee, they will murder thee.” We can sense the anxiety and nervousness in her voice. On the other hand, Romeo could care less about death or danger. His attention is solely upon Juliet and his dying love for her. He is more concerned about expressing his true feeling using extravagant words: “With love’s light wings did I o’eroerch these walls,” “And but thou love me, let them find me here.” The fact that their families are enemies and the forbidden nature of their relationship adds further passion and the excitement of their “secretive” affair.

The syntax of the characters helps extend the secretive mood of the scene. Juliet’s sentences are portrayed with short and choppy questions which convey deep fear embedded in her. She is afraid that once this “secretive mood” is broken, Romeo will either get hurt or die. Her nervousness urge her to question using concise sentences that are short and right to the point. Contrariwise, Romeo’s speaks in long, flowing, poetic sentences. He has too much to say and he finds that simple words won’t satisfy his fervent love towards her. His poetic words are filled with passion, so beautiful and ardent. Shakespeare's use of blank verse also adds to the poetic love in which the iambic pentameter contributes.

Diction and syntax does not fully reveal and develop the mood of the scene. To utilize more depth and elation to the secretive mood, Shakespeare adds imagery and figurative languages such as personification, simile and metaphors which add to the romantic ambiance. Metaphors such as “with love’s light wings did I o’erperch these walls;/ For stony limits cannot hold love out,” shows the euphoric love of Romeo and his determination. He uses personification in order to show how love “prompted” him to inquire and lend him “counsel” in order to find Juliet. The metaphoric “night cloak” gives a sense of hope and protection from becoming exposed. Darkness works for their benefit for it does the job of hiding them from destruction.

The scene is filled with moods of passion and secrecy of a forbidden love. As Romeo and Juliet pour their love for each other in their own unique manners, we see how pure and true their love is. Nothing will pull them apart even if it means death. The scene almost foreshadows the consequences of the fate which will be brought upon them. Shakespeare’s excellent use of diction, syntax, and narrative devices are main components which crafted this beautiful, exotic scene of youthful ardor and intimacy of secretive and yet innocent love.