Open Prompt 6

1984. Select a line or so of poetry, or a moment or scene in a novel, epic poem, or play that you find especially memorable. Write an essay in which you identify the line or the passage, explain its relationship to the work in which it is found, and analyze the reasons for its effectiveness.

Many times, certain scenes from a play can be very memorable. Take the balcony scene from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, for example. This scene can be described as both romantic and enjoyable, but more than that, it effectively creates a setup for the heartbreak later on in the play.

The balcony scene (Act II, Scene 2) of Romeo and Juliet is one that many remember for being a memorable moment in the play. Romantic and spontaneous, Romeo and Juliet confess their love for each other in a way that can only be copied by generations to come. However, the balcony scene later becomes remembered as one of the only romantic scenes before the tragic death of both title characters, and looking back at this scene makes readers wish that Romeo and Juliet could stay like that- forever.

This scene effectively makes readers feel remorse near the end of the plotline by using vivid and detailed language. The poetic feel, and even the metaphors used help to create the romantic setting and feel-good vibe, such as when Romeo says “But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? / It is the East, and Juliet is the sun!” (Act II, Scene 2) , or when Juliet says “O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo? / Deny thy father and refuse thy name; / Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, / And I'll no longer be a Capulet.” (Act II, Scene 2). With the powerful language used in this passage, readers can feel a strong emotional connection to the characters, so when tragedy strikes, the thought of the balcony scene can effectively bring tears to emotional readers.

Through strong and effective use of language, the balcony scene from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is not only remembered especially for the romantic and heartwarming vibe, but also for the tragic overtone to the play.