Romeo and Juliet
Act 1 Dramatic Terms
English Language Arts 8
2015-2016
#1
Definition
NounA brief and indirect reference to a
person, place, thing or idea of
historical, cultural, literary or
political significance
allusion
Context
Most allusions are based on the assumption
that there is a body of knowledge that is
shared by the author and the reader and that
therefore the reader will understand the
author’s referent. Allusions to biblical figures
and figures from classical mythology are
common in Western literature for this
reason.
“Don’t act like a Romeo in front of her.”
Root/Origin
The word is from the 1530’s
Latin allusio meaning “a play on words”
or “game” and is a derivative of the
Latin word alludere, meaning “to play
around” or “to refer to mockingly.”
#2
Definition
NounDialogue spoken between two
characters and not heard by
the other actors on stage
aside
Context
Asides are useful for giving the
audience special information
about the other characters
onstage or the action of the
plot.
Root/Origin
The aside became a very popular technique in the
Elizabethan Era. During this time, the structure of
theaters began to change. A three-sided platform
stage became common, which allowed the
audience to be much closer to the actors. This
more intimate setting made asides more realistic
than in the previous Greek amphitheater setting, in
which actors had to practically shout in order for
the whole audience to hear the dialogue.
#3
Definition
NounA group of speakers who comment on
the action of a play without
participation in it
chorus
Context
In Romeo and Juliet the choruses serve
as an introduction, setting the scene for
the readers.
Root/Origin
From 1565 Latin < Greek
chorós meaning
a dance, band of dancers and
singers
#4
Definition
NounThe development of events beyond a
person's control, regarded as
determined by a supernatural power
fate
Context
In the ancient world, the often
inexplicable and unavoidable in the
affairs of human beings were attributed
to fate.
Fate vs. Free Will
Root/Origin
Greek: Three goddesses
preside over the birth and life
of humans. Each person's
destiny was thought of as a
thread spun, measured, and
cut by the three Fates: Clotho,
Lachesis, and Atropos.
#5
Definition
NounIn literature, a character who contrasts
with another character to highlight
specific opposite traits
foil
Context
Foils are present in many
forms of literature. Mercutio
and Romeo are examples of
character foils in Romeo and
Juliet.
Root/Origin
The word foil as a “contrast” comes
from the old practice of backing
gems/mirrors with foil in order to
make them shine more brightly.
#6
Definition
NounA literary device in which a writer gives a
hint of what is to come later in the story
foreshadowing
Context
Foreshadowing is a suspense
technique that can help the
reader to predict what might
happen next.
Root/Origin
From 1570-1580 “fore” =
Used as a prefix in Old English and other
Germanic languages with a sense of
”before in time, rank, or position”
#7
Definition
Image
NounA figure of speech in which words are used in such
a way that their intended meaning is different from
the actual meaning of the words; may also be a
situation that may end up in quite a different way
than what is generally anticipated
irony
Context
This figure of speech is typically
for humorous or emphatic effect.
Root/Origin
Irony comes from the Greek comic
character Eiron, a clever underdog
who always triumphs because of his
wit.
#8
Definition
Example
NounA long speech by one speaker in a
drama directed towards another
person/people
monologue
Context
Monologues express a point of view
through the words of a character. Most of
the time, the character is trying to convince
someone of something, and may or may
not be telling the whole truth. Sometimes
what the speaker doesn't say is just as
revealing and interesting as what he or she
does say.
Root/Origin
Greek:
Monos = “single”
Logos = “speech/word”
#9
Definition
NounThe act of a character speaking
his/her thoughts aloud without
intending anyone to hear it
soliloquy
Context
Because they’re is alone when they
deliver these speeches, a character
might reveal some very key thoughts,
feelings, and opinions to us audience.
Pay attention!
Root/Origin
Latin:
solos = “alone”
loquis = “speak”