How Does Shakespeare Use Religious Language In Romeo And Juliet

Shakespeare uses religious language to emphasize Romeo’s god-like perception of Juliet, which blinds him from the dangers of their relationship.

Romeo is immediately obsessed and mesmerized by Juliet’s looks before meeting her personality. He has never met Juliet but at their first meeting calls her a holy shrine, “If I profane with my unworthiest hand This holy shrine, the gentle sin is this: My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss.” 1.5.91-96. Romeo immediately becomes fascinated by Juliet unknowing of her at all. Her beauty capturing his attention, making him feel of lesser meaning than her. Likewise, people feel comparing themselves to their own God. He tells her that he must kiss her, make her feel better, pamper her with his love for she is a Saint and she deserves all love. “O, then, dear saint, let lips do what hands do. They pray; grant thou, lest faith turn to despair.” 1.5.102-103 Shakespeare incorporates prayer into Romeo’s dialogue to continue the idea of Juliet being a figure that one must

look up to and asking permission, for he is still mesmerized by her looks.
Juliet’s perceived heavenly looks rank her higher than the average mortal.

After calling her his holy shrine, he continues to call her an angel,“O, speak again, bright angel! For thou art As glorious to this night, being o'er my head, As is a wingèd messenger of heaven...” 2.2.26-28 Again Romeo speaks of Juliet as though she is some immortal one higher, than mortals on the Earth. Tricking himself and the audience of the idea that Juliet is this beyond perfect girl. Her appearance making her something of great power. “....Unto the white, upturnèd, wondering eyes Of mortals that fall back to gaze on him when he bestrides the lazy-puffing clouds And sails upon the bosom of the air.” 2.2.29-32 Shakespeare uses imagery of people looking at the beautiful clouds and sky and ties that to Juliet by calling her an angel, which obviously lives in the sky, and talks of her beauty once again causing everyone to stare in

awe.
Even after Juliet has passed, the light from her beauty continues to shine on Earth.
“...And, lips, O you The doors of breath, seal with a righteous kiss A dateless bargain to engrossing death.” 5.3.122-124 Romeo realizes Juliet is dead, and decides to kiss his Saint with death for he knows he won’t live longer. Even after she is dead, he is distracted by her beauty to the point of not realizing how much danger this relationship has cost them. “For here lies Juliet, and her beauty makes This vault a feasting presence full of light.” 5.3.92-93. Even in the dark of death, Juliet's radiant beauty continues for she is a Saint and death does not affect her.