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All Site ContentRomeo and JulietAct 1Scene 4
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"straight"
Double Meaning
Act 1,
Scene 4
Lines 68-72

Discussion of the double meaning of the word "straight" in myShakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Act 1, Scene 4.

Mercutio

And in this state she gallops night by night
Through lovers' brains, and then they dream of love;
O'er courtiers' knees, that dream on curtsies straight;
O'er lawyers' fingers, who straight dream on fees;
O'er ladies ' lips, who straight on kisses dream,

The word “straight” in the phrase “curtsies straight” can mean either:

  • The courtier dreamed of receiving straightaway a curtsy, a bending of the knee made as a gesture of respect.
  • He dreamed of receiving a “straight” curtsy, any gesture of respect other than a bending of the knee.