I have handwritten these original and unique notes that helped me to get 156/160 in gcse English literature. These are some of the common and important symbolism spread across the text!!
IMPORTANT ROMEO AND JULIET SYMBOLISM AND CONNOTATIONS!
‘ripe’- Juliet is raw and organic to show youth and vulnerability, highlights Lord Capulets possessive and
caring attitude. Yet, shows Capulets true intentions, Juliet enters a structured, Elizabethan system for
women where she is planted, harvested and kept; to show Capulet has full control and will cultivate her
growth under God just like the Garden of Eden (he feels as though he is sent by God) and he utilizes her
vulnerability in an attempt to establish his power.
‘earth'- symbolizes fertility through nature and people, ironically Juliet (who is fragile) is to be married off
to bring reassurance and stability. In the Elizabethan era it was thought to be the complete center of the
universe and so forever will be cherished and is his main focus as well as the roots of his happiness. It also
symbolizes resources and commercialism.
‘ancient'- Shows conflict to be fragile and vulnerable yet also foreshadows reconciliation as though the
families will have the chance to build a new foundation together with a fresh start. Can also show the
conflict to be highly valued by the characters as though artifacts (Tybalt utilizes it to show off his toxic
masculinity and validate himself) yet is also something that has been well preserved over the years and
nobody has taken the chance to break the cycle and so when it does it will be fast and easily crushed, yet
its value has increased so now it will be will be a huge loss (linking to Romeo and Juliet’s death to be great
and pointless)
‘star'- Links to fate juxtaposed with free will as stars were commonly used as fortune telling in the
Elizabethan era and so their relationship is fateful and the younger generation will ironically lead the older
generation as though a ship uses stars to navigate. Stars are destined to self destruct but will take millions
of years, reflects the ongoing conflict over generations. Stars are deceiving, they are blazing upfront
(desire, lust and impulsiveness) yet from afar they are beautiful and tranquil to show that Petrarchan love
is deceiving and should be condemned. In general, stars are often associated with positive messages and
metaphors, and often represent purity, good luck, and ambitions. In dreams, a shooting star is a sign of
self-fulfillment and advancement in life. Stars can also symbolize new beginnings — even those that are
still on their way.
‘Cold fire’ – Oxymoron to show Romeo’s superficial passion, inexperienced and obsessive love. ‘Fire’ shows
his desire and lust which is blazing and hot yet the absence of heat through ‘cold’ reveals his materialism
and toxic masculinity after his humiliating rejection from Rosaline.
‘Look upon thy death’- shows Tybalt is blasphemous, God is all knowing and controls the lives of people yet
he acts as though a superior being who can decide death himself, making him seem as though deceiving
because he makes it seem as though he punishes those who sin yet ironically is sinning himself .
‘Empty hazel-nut'- Natural imagery to depict love as though the foundation of life (fulfillment) and love is
controllable although grown by the planter and living by food (desire) it will grow and change with each
passing day and this is something that can't be controlled.
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