Act II, Scene 3
Name___________________
1. Understanding Shakespeare’s mastery of figurative language: Friar Laurence
Find metaphor, simile, personification, allusion, & alliteration in the following lines:
“The gray-eyed morn smiles on the frowning night,
Check’ring the eastern clouds with streaks of light,
And fleckled darkness like a drunkard reels
From forth day’s path and Titan’s fiery wheels.
Now, ere the sun advance his burning eye,
The day to cheer and night’s dank dew to dry...” (II.3.1-6)
2. Friar Laurence’s comparison of plants to men: Find the lines and
explain the metaphor.
3. Friar Laurence’s initial reaction to Romeo’s news is not what Romeo
would have wished. However, he changes his mind. Find the lines to
support your explanation.