Brief Intro
Shakespeare in Love is a 1998 romantic comedy-drama film directed by John Madden. The story imagines William Shakespeare’s creation of “Romeo and Juliet” inspired by his passionate, yet complicated love affair with Viola de Lesseps. With a stellar cast, witty script, and clever blend of historical fiction and romance, the film captivated audiences and won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Literary Devices Used in Shakespeare in Love
1. Metaphor
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| Shakespeare describing Viola as a “summer’s day” | Comparison to ideal beauty, reflecting Shakespeare’s sonnets. |
| The theater as a “mirror” to life | Represents the reflection of reality through art. |
2. Dramatic Irony
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| Viola disguised as Thomas Kent | Audience knows her true identity, creating suspense. |
| Shakespeare unaware of Viola’s true identity | Audience sees the dramatic tension unfold. |
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| Opening scene with Marlowe suggesting plot ideas | Hints at the unfolding drama in Shakespeare’s play. |
| Viola’s early fascination with Shakespeare’s work | Predicts her future involvement in his life and play. |
4. Symbolism
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| The rose (Rose Theatre) | Symbolizes the fleeting nature of beauty and love. |
| Viola’s ship model | Represents her dreams and aspirations beyond societal constraints. |
5. Allusion
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| References to Shakespeare’s plays | Enhances the authenticity and literary richness of the narrative. |
| Historical figures like Queen Elizabeth I | Grounds the story in a recognizable historical context. |
6. Paradox
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| Shakespeare’s love for Viola despite societal norms | Highlights the conflict between love and duty. |
| The nature of true and false identity | Viola as Thomas Kent blurs the lines of reality. |
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| “Theatre” as a living entity | Describes its pivotal role in society and culture. |
| “Fortune” as a character affecting lives | Depicts the whims of fate influencing the characters. |
8. Irony
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| Viola’s arranged marriage to Wessex | Ironic because she truly loves Shakespeare. |
| The play’s success despite initial challenges | Reflects the unpredictability of art and life. |
9. Hyperbole
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| Shakespeare’s exaggerated expressions of despair | Enhances the comedic and dramatic effect. |
| Viola’s declaration of undying love | Amplifies the intensity of her emotions. |
10. Juxtaposition
| Movie Scene | Device Example |
|---|---|
| The bustling life of the theatre vs. court life | Highlights the contrast between creativity and societal expectations. |
| Shakespeare’s chaotic life vs. the order of his plays | Shows the disparity between life and art. |
Character Analysis Through Literary Devices
Character Studies
| Literary Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Shakespeare | Irony: His struggles with writing “Romeo and Juliet” while experiencing his own romantic drama reflect the irony of life imitating art. <br> Metaphor: Describes Viola as his muse, symbolizing inspiration. |
| Viola de Lesseps | Disguise: Viola as Thomas Kent uses this device to challenge gender roles and societal constraints. <br> Symbolism: Her passion for theatre symbolizes the power of dreams. |
| Philip Henslowe | Comic Relief: His humorous portrayal provides a lighthearted counterpoint to the drama. <br> Foreshadowing: His constant financial troubles hint at the precarious nature of theatrical productions. |
| Lord Wessex | Antagonist: Represents societal norms and constraints, opposing the free-spirited nature of the protagonists. <br> Irony: Despite his high status, he lacks true understanding and appreciation of art and love. |
Character Dynamics
The relationships in Shakespeare in Love drive the narrative and themes. Shakespeare and Viola’s passionate love affair, despite societal constraints, showcases the tension between personal desire and social duty. The dynamic between Shakespeare and Marlowe emphasizes the competitive yet inspiring nature of artistic collaboration. Meanwhile, the antagonistic relationship between Shakespeare and Wessex highlights the clash between artistic freedom and rigid societal structures.
Thematic Analysis
Love and Passion
| Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Metaphor | Shakespeare’s descriptions of Viola as a muse highlight the theme of passionate inspiration. |
| Irony | The contrast between Shakespeare’s public persona and private emotions emphasizes the complexities of love. |
Art and Reality
| Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Symbolism | The theatre symbolizes the intersection of art and life, reflecting the characters’ personal dramas. |
| Juxtaposition | The contrast between the chaotic world of the theatre and the structured society highlights the fluid boundaries between art and reality. |
Gender and Identity
| Device | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Disguise | Viola’s cross-dressing challenges gender norms and explores themes of identity and freedom. |
| Paradox | The duality of Viola’s character as both herself and Thomas Kent underscores the fluidity of identity. |
Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices
Visual and Sound Techniques
| Literary Device | Technique | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Metaphor | Cinematography | Close-up shots of Viola emphasize her as Shakespeare’s muse. |
| Irony | Sound Design | Juxtaposing lighthearted music with serious dialogue enhances dramatic irony. |
| Symbolism | Set Design | The detailed and historically accurate sets symbolize the era’s cultural richness. |
| Dramatic Irony | Editing | Cross-cutting between Viola’s disguise and Shakespeare’s scenes builds tension. |
| Juxtaposition | Costume Design | Contrasting costumes of the theatre troupe and nobility highlight societal differences. |
Key Scene Analysis
Scene Selection
- Viola’s Audition as Thomas Kent
- YouTube Link
- Breakdown: This scene uses dramatic irony, with the audience knowing Viola’s true identity, creating tension and highlighting her bravery in pursuing her passion.
- The Final Performance of “Romeo and Juliet”
- YouTube Link
- Breakdown: Combines multiple literary devices such as metaphor, foreshadowing, and juxtaposition, showcasing the culmination of the characters’ personal and artistic journeys.
- Shakespeare and Viola’s Farewell
- YouTube Link
- Breakdown: This emotionally charged scene uses metaphor and irony to underscore the bittersweet nature of their love, emphasizing the themes of love and sacrifice.
Conclusion
Interactive Quiz
- What literary device is used when Viola disguises herself as Thomas Kent?
- Which character provides comic relief in the film?
- A) Shakespeare
- B) Viola
- C) Philip Henslowe
- D) Lord Wessex
- How does the film use juxtaposition in its visual design?
- A) By contrasting light and dark scenes
- B) By highlighting differences between the theatre and nobility
- C) Through sound design
- D) By using close-up shots
- What theme is emphasized through the metaphor of the theatre as a mirror to life?
- A) Love and Passion
- B) Art and Reality
- C) Gender and Identity
- D) Social Hierarchy
- Which device is employed when Shakespeare’s public persona contrasts with his private emotions?
- A) Metaphor
- B) Irony
- C) Symbolism
- D) Foreshadowing