Romeo and JulietAct 1 Dramatic Terms

English Language Arts 82014-2015

#1Definition

Context Root/Origin

allusion

Noun- A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing or idea of historical, cultural, literary or political significance

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.”

“This place is like a Garden of Eden.”

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.”

#2Definition

Context Root/Origin

aside

Noun- Dialogue spoken between two characters and not heard by the other actors on stage

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.

Asides are useful for giving the audience special information about the other characters onstage or the action of the plot.

#3Definition

Context Root/Origin

chorus

Noun- A group of speakers who comment on the action of a play without participation in it

In Romeo and Juliet the choruses serve as an introduction, setting the scene for the readers.

From 1565 Latin < Greek chorós meaning a dance, band of dancers and singers

#4Definition

Context Root/Origin

fate

Noun-The development of events beyond a person's control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power

In the ancient world, the often inexplicable and unavoidable in the affairs of human beings were attributed to fate.

Fate vs. Free Will

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.

#5Definition

Context Root/Origin

foil

Noun- In literature, a character who contrasts with another character to highlight specific opposite traits

Foils are present in many forms of literature. Mercutio and Romeo are examples of character foils in Romeo and Juliet.

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.

#6Definition

Context Root/Origin

foreshadowing

Noun- A literary device in which a writer gives a hint of what is to come later in the story

Foreshadowing is a suspense technique that can help the reader to predict what might happen next.

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”

#7ImageDefinition

Context Root/Origin

irony

Noun-A 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

This figure of speech is typically for humorous or emphatic effect.

Irony comes from the Greek comic character Eiron, a clever underdog who always triumphs because of his wit.

#8

ExampleDefinition

Context Root/Origin

monologue

Noun- A long speech by one speaker in a drama directed towards another person/people

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.

Greek:Monos = “single”Logos = “speech/word”

#9Definition

Context Root/Origin

soliloquy

Noun- The act of a character speaking his/her thoughts aloud without intending anyone to hear it

Latin:solos = “alone”loquis = “speak”

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!