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Romeo and Juliet Allusion

A brief, indirect reference to a place, person, thing or idea that holds, historical, mythological or literary
significance is called an allusion. The dramatist merely makes a passing reference to the allusion without
going into detail. It is assumed that the audience or readers are aware of the philosophical or historical
significance of the reference and can, therefore, understand its implication within the context of a play.
In the vast majority of Shakespearean tragedies, frequent allusions are made from Roman or Greek
mythological figures and also from the Bible. Some of the most important allusions from “Romeo and
Juliet” are given below:

Allusion in “Romeo and Juliet”

Example #1

“But all so soon as the all-cheering sun

Should in the farthest east begin to draw

The shady curtains from Aurora’s bed,

Away from light steals home my heavy son”

(I.i. 137-140)

In these particular lines, Lord Montague refers to Aurora – the Roman goddess of dawn. Lord Montague
expresses his concern for his son Romeo, stating that he has often seen Romeo crying at dawn.
Moreover, Lord Montague maintains that Romeo’s lack of enthusiasm for life is evident from the fact
that something worries him and keeps him awake at nights. Hence, he often sleeps at dawn – the
moment when the goddess Aurora awakes from her sleep and ascends the sky.

Example #2

“Well in that hit you miss. She’ll not be hit

With Cupid’s arrow. She hath Dian’s wit,

And, in strong proof of chastity well armed,

From love’s weak childish bow she lives uncharmed.”

(I.i. 216-217)

The quote above is spoken by Romeo in relation to his first superficial love towards Rosaline and her
refusal to respond to his love. Romeo makes a reference to Cupid, the Roman god of love, stating that
Rosaline is so determined about not pursuing a relationship with Romeo that even Cupid cannot yield
her otherwise. Moreover, Romeo makes another reference to Diana, the Roman goddess of hunting,
women, and childbirth and states that similar to Diana, who vowed celibacy for life, Rosaline is fiercely
inflexible and will never consent to marry Romeo.

Example #3

“You are a lover. Borrow Cupid’s wings

And soar with them above a common bound.”

(I. iv. 17-18)

In the lines above, Mercutio alludes to Cupid while offering advice to a love-sick Romeo. It is noteworthy
that in classical mythology, Cupid’s wings were often taken as a symbol of his unpredictable nature and
were a manifestation of his ability to make people fall in and out of love very quickly. Using Cupid as a
point of reference, Mercutio counsels Romeo that as a lover, Romeo should display more strength than
an average man and exemplify Cupid’s power in falling out of love with Rosaline.

Example #4