What is a half line in Shakespeare?

Half and shared lines are deviations from the standard iambic pentameter line spoken by a single character. A half line can be anything from a single syllable to three or four iambic feet: it’s an incomplete iambic line. Two or more shared lines between two or more characters make up one line of verse.

Why does Shakespeare divide lines between characters in Romeo and Juliet?

The other reason Shakespeare uses verse in Romeo and Juliet is that he generally uses verse for the speech of high-status characters. Most of the characters in Romeo and Juliet are nobles, so they address each other in verse. However, even low-status characters speak verse when the topic is serious enough.

What is a shared line in a play?

Shared lines are when two or more characters share a line of iambic verse between them. You will usually see this laid out on the page and it can often show a connection between characters.

What are the lines in Romeo and Juliet?

20-21. and so bound, / I cannot bound a pitch above dull woe: and so bound down that I cannot leap to any height above dull woe. 22 Under love’s heavy burden do I sink.

Why is Romeo still chasing after Rosaline in Romeo and Juliet?

They believe he is still out chasing after Rosaline. Benvolio reports that Tybalt has sent a letter to Montague’s house—Mercutio is certain it is a challenge to a duel, and Benvolio believes Romeo will accept Tybalt’s provocation.

What did Mercutio say to Romeo in Romeo and Juliet?

Mercutio makes a pun on Romeo’s response, suggesting that his business strained his “hams,” or legs—in other words, Mercutio suggests that Romeo went off to sleep with a woman. The two exchange sexual barbs, joking back and forth, until Mercutio accuses Romeo of wearing the “jest” out.

Who is the cut up in Romeo and Juliet?

Romeo is either depressed or over-the-moon in love; his emotions are as changeable as the weather. While his cousin Benvolio loves Romeo and attempts to lighten Romeo’s mood, Mercutio is the “cut-up”, the friend who can always be counted on to make the simpleset of things, like walking to a masquerade, a comedic event.