William Shakespeare???s tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, is known for its captivating storyline and poetic language. However, what many people may not realize is that the play is also filled with clever puns that add another layer of humor and meaning to the story. In this article, we???ll explore some of the best puns in Romeo and Juliet and their significance.
What is a Pun?
Before we dive into the puns in Romeo and Juliet, let???s first define what a pun is. A pun is a humorous play on words that have multiple meanings or sound similar but have different meanings. Puns are often used in literature and comedy to add humor and depth to a story.
???Maidenheads???
One of the best-known puns in Romeo and Juliet occurs in Act I, Scene I, when Sampson, a servant of the Capulet household, says, ???I will push Montague???s men from the wall and thrust his maids to the wall.??? Here, Sampson is punning on the word ???maid,??? which means an unmarried woman, and ???maidenhead,??? which means virginity. This pun underscores the sexual tension between the two families and sets the tone for the rest of the play.
???You kiss by the book???
In Act I, Scene V, Romeo and Juliet share their first kiss. After the kiss, Juliet says, ???You kiss by the book,??? which is a pun on the phrase ???by the book,??? meaning to do something exactly as it should be done. However, Juliet is also joking that Romeo???s kissing is very formal and textbook-like. This pun adds levity to the romantic scene and shows Juliet???s wit.
???Parting is such sweet sorrow???
In Act II, Scene II, Romeo says, ???Parting is such sweet sorrow,??? which is a pun on the words ???sweet??? and ???sorrow.??? These words have opposite meanings, but in this context, Romeo is expressing that even though it???s painful to say goodbye to Juliet, it???s also a sweet moment because he knows they will see each other again. This pun is a poignant example of Romeo???s romanticism.
???Ask for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man???
In Act III, Scene I, after Tybalt kills Mercutio, Romeo says, ???Ask for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man.??? This is a pun on the word ???grave,??? which means serious or somber, and ???grave,??? which means a burial plot. Romeo is expressing his grief and determination to avenge his friend???s death, but also foreshadowing his own tragic end. This pun is a sobering reminder of the play???s tragic nature.
???I will frown as I pass by???
In Act I, Scene I, Sampson says, ???I will frown as I pass by, and let them take it as they list.??? This is a pun on the word ???frown,??? which means to scowl or show disapproval, and ???fawn,??? which means to flatter or show affection. Sampson is saying that he will act tough and intimidating when he sees Montague???s men, but also implying that he might be secretly attracted to them. This pun adds another layer of complexity to Sampson???s character.
???Two households, both alike in dignity???
The opening lines of Romeo and Juliet are also a pun. The prologue begins, ???Two households, both alike in dignity,??? which is a pun on the word ???households,??? meaning families, and ???household,??? meaning an establishment or organization. This pun sets the stage for the rivalry between the Capulet and Montague families and hints at their similarities despite their differences.
Conclusion
These are just a few examples of the many puns in Romeo and Juliet. By using wordplay and double meanings, Shakespeare was able to add humor, depth, and significance to his characters and their stories. Understanding these puns can give us a greater appreciation for the play and its enduring legacy.
