Romeo and Juliet Essay.

Act II, scene II, in William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, Is one of literatures most acclaimed scenes of all time. This scene depicts the two young lovers, Romeo and Juliet, during an early exchange of words merely a few hours after they first meet. Shakespeare uses specific diction and clever sentence structure to develop a mood of Passion and secrecy. He cleverly weaves his words in a depiction of the lovers' initial caution and then slow release of this caution into what they would call "love."

Shakespeare initially sets the sense of passion in this scene by using his character Romeo. Romeo is trying to convince the cautious Juliet that there is little to be afraid of and uses the word, "love" over and over again. "With love's light wings did i..." he says. "... Cannot hold love out." and "and what love can do that dares love attempt." Romeo uses the word love over and over to show his head-over-heals infatuation with Juliet. Also, using poetic speech and flowery words Shakespeare is setting a scene of passion and romance.

The whole scene is depicted in a secret garden, where Romeo crept into by means of climbing a wall. This also adds to the secrecy of the meeting. "If they see you they will murder thee," is Juliet's caution to Romeo. The fear of discovery also heightens the sense of secrecy to this whole scene. "Night's cloak to hide me from their eyes," says Romeo further strengthening the sense of secrecy.

The sentence structure that Shakespeare uses also helps us to see the mood of the scene. Romeo has long and flowery lines, while Juliet's are matter-of-fact an to the point. She seems very calm and reasonable while Romeo sounds like somewhat of an airhead. This adds to the whole exchange going on between the lovers and how they almost juxtapose each other's attitudes.

Shakespeare also uses metaphors, personification and other poetic devices to add a feeling of romanticism to this play. He uses lines such as, "love's light wings," and "Night's cloak." to add a sense of poetry to the whole scene.

This scene is a scene of secrecy and passion, and early encounters. The characters are just setting up their relationships and therefore the reader gets a sense of new beginnings. The mood is passionate secrecy and tentative caution all mixed together and portrayed by Shakespeare's diction, syntax and other narrative devices.