Romeo and Juliet Drama/Lit Terms

fourteen lines of iambic pentameter, usually in the rhyme scheme ofabab, cdcd, efef, gg

direct comparison between two unlike things that have something in common without the words like or as

When a writer gives an advance hint of what is to come later in the story to create dramatic tension.

a contrast or opposition between two things

Most common verse line in English poetry—unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable (iamb), 10 syllables total

a reference to a character, place, or situation from another work of literature, music, art, religion, or history

makes a comparison between two things that are actually unlike but have something in common, using words “like” or "as"

When the audience or reader understands more of a situation or of what is being said than the character is aware of

A long, uninterrupted speech in a play that is spoken in the presence of other characters

A figure of speech in which human qualities are given to an object, animal, or idea

A form of antithesis in which a character enhances the personality of another character by strongly contrasting him/her.

A “play on words”—the humorous use of a word or phrase to suggest two or more meanings at the same time

A lengthy speech in which a character is alone on stage and expresses his/her thoughts aloud.