Romeo & Juliet Lesson 10: Introducing Romeo - Oxymorons in Romeo's First Speech

In Lesson 10, focusing on William Shakespeare's "Romeo & Juliet", students are introduced to the complex character of Romeo through the examination of his first speech, which is rich in oxymorons. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms to create a paradoxical effect. Romeo's use of oxymorons in this speech reveals the depth of his emotional turmoil and his conflicted feelings about love. Students are tasked with identifying these literary devices, such as "brawling love" and "loving hate," which highlight the confusion and duality of Romeo's experience with love. These oxymorons serve to emphasize the intensity and contradictory nature of his emotions.

As they delve into the text, students encounter phrases like "heavy lightness" and "serious vanity," which further illustrate the theme of contradiction that runs throughout the play. Romeo's speech is a masterclass in the use of language to convey complex emotional states, and the activity of highlighting oxymorons helps students to engage with the text on a deeper level. By exploring expressions like "feather of lead" and "cold fire," they gain insight into Romeo's inner conflict and the broader thematic concerns of the play. This exercise not only enhances their understanding of Shakespeare's use of language but also encourages them to consider how conflicting emotions can coexist within a single character or situation.