English: Book Report: Romeo and Juliet Essay. January 28, 1999 ROMEO AND JULIET ESSAY I think that the use of imagery helps me understand the play Romeo and Juliet better then anything. Imagery helps me understand because of the specific nature. This helps me get a picture of what Shakespeare is trying to say. I understand something better if I can "see" what's going on. This therefore enhances my understanding of the play. In the play (act one, scene one), Tybalt says "Peace-I hate the word, as I hate hell and all Montegues." The imagery Shakespeare creates with the words "hell," and "hate" really help me to get an understanding of just how much Tybalt hates the Montegues. In act 4, scene 5, Irony and Imagery are "spliced" when Capulet says "death lies upon her like an untimely frost upon the sweetest flower in all the field." This helps me get a picture in my mind of what Capulet is trying to say, in detail. However, seeing as Juliet is actually sleeping, Capulet has inadvertently demonstrated dramatic irony. Shakespeare uses imagery to help drive his points home. By using unique and specific phrases about the characters thoughts and actions. Old William (Shakespeare) is helping me- the reader- to literally "get it." In act 2, scene 2, a perfect example of imagery is definitely present. Shakespeare uses lightening to describe a point he is trying to make. He describes lightening as follows: "too rash, too unadvised," and then follows (2) it up with the highlighted phrase "ere one can say, it lightens." This statement opens a door of imagination for the reader to explore. We all associate certain things with certain images. By using the word lightening, the reader recalls these images. Shakespeare then explodes with an insightful, well thought out statement/observation. This combo helps him get his point across. For centuries after Romeo and Juliet was written, the ending was changed so that the two "star crossed lovers" would survive and live happily ever after. I think that the main reason for this change was how vividly (using imagery) Shakespeare emphasized the young couples helpless agony. People can generally handle a bit of tragedy now and again, but every little detail had to be a descriptive word. Every disparaging turn of events had to be emphasized and highlighted by Shakespeare's creative use of imagery. After Romeo is banished, Juliet worded her fate with out Romeo as "a fate worse than death itself." As for the young hero, he is just as tortured. He describes his fate just as graphically. In essence, Romeo says that banishment was as good as death for everything that is good and pure in this world lies in Juliet, and now he is never to see her again. One of the main reasons why William Shakespeare is regarded as one of the greatest writers of all time is because of his graphic and dynamic use of imagery and descriptive language. By using this language, the reader gets a glimpse into the authors' mind: as well as the characters' thoughts. This gives the reader a newfound perspective (3) and a higher understanding of the play. That is why and how the use of imagery helped me understand the play.