Romeo & Juliet Lesson 14: Act 1 Scene 5 - Love at First Sight Quotations Worksheet

In a lesson exploring Act 1 Scene 5 of Shakespeare's "Romeo & Juliet", students examine the theme of love at first sight through a focused analysis of key quotations. Romeo's immediate infatuation with Juliet is captured in the line "O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!" This metaphor eloquently expresses Romeo's awe at Juliet's beauty, likening her to a radiant light that outshines the surrounding torches. Through this imagery, Romeo portrays Juliet as a luminous presence, illuminating the space with her beauty and leaving a profound impact on him. The use of metaphor here is significant as it conveys the intensity of Romeo's attraction and sets the stage for his impulsive and deeply emotional nature, which is a harbinger of the drama that unfolds.

The quotation not only reflects Romeo's admiration but also suggests that Juliet stands out as the most beautiful girl in the room, akin to a rare and exotic jewel. Shakespeare's language, rich with questions and exclamations, further emphasises Romeo's astonishment and the rapid onset of his love for Juliet. The contrast between light and dark is a recurring motif in the play, symbolising the stark difference between Juliet's radiance and the figurative darkness of the world around her. This vivid imagery and the dramatic use of language serve to highlight the instantaneous and overwhelming effect Juliet has on Romeo, marking the beginning of their tragic love story. The analysis of such quotations allows readers to delve into the passionate and often perilous nature of love as portrayed by Shakespeare.