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All Site ContentRomeo and JulietAct 1Scene 4
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"heavy", "light"
Wordplay
Act 1,
Scene 4
Lines 7-14

An explanation of Romeo’s wordplay in Act 1, Scene 4 of myShakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

Benvolio

But let them measure us by what they will,
We'll measure them a measure and be gone.

Romeo

Give me a torch; I am not for this ambling.
Being but heavy, I will bear the light.

Mercutio

Nay, gentle Romeo, we must have you dance.

Romeo

Not I, believe me. You have dancing shoes
With nimble soles. I have a soul of lead
So stakes me to the ground I cannot move.

Romeo plays with the double meanings of two opposite words: “heavy” and “light.” Romeo who is heavy (sad) will carry something light (the torch light).