Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Why did Shakespeare use foreshadowing in this line? "In one respect I’ll thy assistant be, / For this alliance may so happy prove / To turn your...

Shakespeare uses foreshadowing throughout Romeo and Juliet. The play repeatedly hints that it will end in death. Juliet repeatedly talks about death after having met Romeo.


The reason Shakespeare, or any author for that matter, uses foreshadowing is to build suspense and tension. It alerts the reader to what is coming and heightens our anticipation of that event. The line in question is an interesting bit of foreshadowing, because it doesn't focus on all of the misery that comes later in the play. The line actually displays a very positive outlook on the future. It hints that the marriage will happen and will end the feud between the two families. The line gives the reader hope that the play will end on a happy note.


In fact, all of it comes true. Romeo and Juliet do get married. The Capulets and Montagues do agree to end the feud.  



"A glooming peace this morning with it brings."



Unfortunately, Romeo and Juliet had to die to make the friar's quote come true—a tragedy hinted at by the description of the peace as "glooming."

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