Literary Terms

Pun A Pun is a play on words, either on different senses of the same word or on the similar sense or sound of different words. Also known as paronomasia Not I, believe me: you have dancing shoes With nimble soles; I have a soul of lead So stakes me to the ground I cannot move

Aside An aside is an actor’s speech that is directed to the audience and is not supposed to be heard by other actors on stage. Juliet: Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, and I'll no longer be a Capulet. Romeo [Aside.]: Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at this? Juliet: 'Tis but thy name that is my enemy. Thou art thyself, though not a Montague.

Soliloquy A soliloquy is a dramatic monologue that represents a series of unspoken reflections. But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, Who is already sick and pale with grief, That thou her maid art far more fair than she:

Foil A foil is a character who serves as a contrast to another perhaps more primary character, so as to point out specific traits of the primary character.

Rhyming Couplet A rhyming couplet is simply two lines that rhyme with each other. In Shakespeare’s plays, he often used them to finish off a scene or a soliloquy. Good night, good night! parting is such sweet sorrow, That I shall say good night till it be morrow.

Irony Verbal Irony is saying one thing but meaning another Dramatic Irony is when the audience knows facts that the characters in the play are ignorant of

Oxymoron An oxymoron is when two incongruous or clashing words are brought together to make a striking expression. Parting is such sweet sorrow.