For instance, Romeo refers to Juliet as a "beautiful tyrant" in Act 1, Scene 5. On the one hand, the oxymoron emphasizes her beauty and desirability, but it also suggests that her power over him can be oppressive and even cruel, just like the act of a "tyrant". Later, in Act 3, Scene 2, Romeo calls Juliet a "fiend angelica," a phrase that combines the demonic with the angelic. This dualistic image represents the duality of Juliet's character - her sweet and innocent nature as well as her capacity for passion and violence.
Throughout the play, Juliet is referred to as a "bud," a "rose," and a "summer's day." These metaphors symbolize her blooming beauty and her fleeting youth. However, the tragic events of the play often overshadow these moments of beauty and innocence. The phrase "summer's day" reminds us that her beauty is ephemeral and that her life will be short-lived.
Another oxymoron used to describe Juliet is "pure sin," which seems to contradict itself since "pure" and "sin" are usually used in opposition to each other. When Juliet is called pure sin, it highlights the contrast between her innocent, virginal nature and the tragic, destructive events that are set in motion by her desire for Romeo.
In conclusion, the use of oxymora in Romeo and Juliet serves to portray the complexity and contradictory nature of Juliet's character. Through oxymoronic phrases such as "beautiful tyrant" and "fiend angelica," Shakespeare highlights her beauty, innocence, and passion while also hinting at the destructive forces that surround her. These oxymora deepen our understanding of Juliet's character and underscore the tragic nature of her story.