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Catherine San
Mrs. Hope and Mrs. Lucarelli
Unit 2: Intellectual Revolutions
January 2016
Literary Analysis: Shakespeares Allusions
William Shakespeare is often considered one of the most significant writers of all time.
From his use of iambic pentameter to the poetic format and structure of his writing, the work of
Shakespeare has never failed to impress audiences. One of his most famous plays, Romeo and
Juliet, is no exception. The tragic tale of these two young lovers exhibits great use of puns,
paradoxes, and most of all, allusions. Romeo and Juliet is a prime example of strong allusion use.
These literary techniques are references to well known things that are usually proper nouns. They
offer exceptional advantages to the audience, such as interpreting Shakespeares occasionally
confusing language, providing an idea of what was popular and common during the era, and
foreshadowing the coming events of the play.
One example of an allusion may be found in Act 1 of Romeo and Juliet. Romeo is
stricken with an unreciprocated love for a woman named Rosaline. Romeo says, Well in that hit
you miss. Shell not be hit With Cupids arrow. She hath Dians wit, (1.1.216-217) In these
lines, he refers to the Greek gods, Cupid and Diana. Cupid is the god of desire and affection,
whose arrows can make you fall in love. Diana is the goddess of chastity. Understanding what
each allusion means will enable a better apprehension of Romeos distress. Rosaline will not fall
in love with him because she favors Dianas vow of celibacy.

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Another allusion may be found in Act 2 Scene 4. Mercutio says, Now is he for the
numbers that Petrarch flowed in. Laura to his lady was but a kitchen-wench (marry, she had a
better love to berhyme her), Dido a dowdy, Cleopatra a gypsy, Helen and Hero hildings and
harlots, Thisbe a gray eye or so, but not to the purpose. (2.4.40-45) They tease him by alluding
to Petrarch and the women who inspired his love poetry. Mercutio teases Romeo for believing
Rosaline is more beautiful than all six women. To continue his mockery, he points out faults in
each maiden. Moreover, the references to these legendary ladies prefigure the upcoming tragedy
of Romeo and Juliet. Thisbe and Hero were both women who committed suicide in order to be
with their lovers. This is a rather obvious connection to Romeo and Juliets own dreadful ends.
Cleopatras own suicide adumbrates their dreadful ends. Once again, understanding the context
of an allusion is key. Doing so may lead to the foreshadowing of an upcoming event.
As the play continues, a common thread within the allusions may become evident. Most
of Shakespeares references are mythical gods or legends. Cupid, Diana, Titan, Laura, Hero,
Helen, and Thisbe are all fables. Petrarch, Dido, and Cleopatra were famous historical figures.
This denotes that mythology and history were most popular in Shakespeares era. People in his
time period believed history and religion rather than science. Myths and legends must have
played a large role in Shakespearean society. Furthermore, the practice of allusions greatly
affects the audiences appreciation and absorption of the play. The references may assist the
reader in clarifying any confusion caused by Romeo and Juliets archaic language. The relevance
of an allusion will also prompt a reader to make sense of what the author means. The dialogue
within Romeo and Juliet can be quite complicated. Having a cognizance of the used allusions
may contribute to the interpretation of Shakespeares language. In addition, allusions bring the

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concept of foreshadowing into the play. The background information of an allusion will let the
audience be able to fathom the way it impacts the plotline.
All in all, Shakespeares ingenious use of allusions in Romeo and Juliet provides much
interpretation for readers. By comprehending the context of an allusion, a reader will be able to
achieve a further grasp of a subject. Allusions also enable a closer understanding of widespread
knowledge during the era. In other words, the allusions nod to what was popular and known.
Lastly, the most notable influence of allusions is the subtle foreshadowing it brings. Although
allusions may seem insignificant and short, they are a great contributor to understanding one of
Shakespeares greatest literary works, Romeo and Juliet.