1. Blank Verse: Throughout the play, Shakespeare primarily utilizes blank verse, unrhymed iambic pentameter, to create a natural, conversational flow in the dialogue. The meter of blank verse adds a dramatic rhythm to the language.
2. Sonnet: The famous "balcony scene" between Romeo and Juliet (Act 2, Scene 2) is written in sonnet form, a traditional 14-line poetic structure with a specific rhyme scheme. This highlights the intense romantic feelings and poetic language shared between the two protagonists.
3. Oxymoron: Shakespeare frequently employs oxymorons, a figure of speech that combines seemingly contradictory terms, such as "star-crossed lovers," "bitter-sweet," and "fair is foul, and foul is fair," effectively emphasizing the conflicting nature of love, destiny, and the play's tragic events.
4. Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words or stressed syllables, creates emphasis, sonic patterns, and musicality. For instance, "But, soft, what light through yonder window breaks?"
5. Imagery: Shakespeare uses vivid and evocative imagery, including metaphors, similes, and personification, to enhance the play's poetic language. For example, "When he shall die, take him and cut him out in little stars, and he will make the face of heaven so fine that all the world will be in love with night."
6. Foreshadowing: Throughout the play, Shakespeare cleverly drops subtle hints and prophecies suggesting the impending tragedy. For example, in the prologue, the Chorus warns that the play's events will be filled with "death-marked love."
7. Dramatic Irony: This occurs when the audience is aware of information that the characters themselves are not. The most notable example is the audience knowing that Romeo and Juliet believe each other to be dead when they take their own lives.
8. Symbolism: Shakespeare employs symbols to add deeper layers of meaning. The most prominent symbol is the poison, which represents the destructive force of love in the play.
9. Puns and Wordplay: Shakespeare incorporates puns, double entendres, and other forms of wordplay to create humor and add complexity to the dialogue. These wordplays often hint at underlying meanings and foreshadow future events.
10. Classical Allusions: Shakespeare incorporates references to classical mythology and historical figures to enhance the play's cultural and intellectual depth. For example, Romeo refers to Juliet as "my Rosaline," a nod to the unrequited love he felt for her cousin.
11. Tragic Flaw (Hubris): The downfall of Romeo and Juliet is largely attributed to their tragic flaws. Romeo's impulsive and passionate nature leads him to hasty decisions, while Juliet's youthful exuberance and devotion can be seen as her flaw. This concept aligns with the classical Greek idea of hamartia or tragic flaw.
Shakespeare's skillful use of these literary techniques elevates "Romeo and Juliet" beyond a simple love story, transforming it into a timeless exploration of love, fate, and the human condition.