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All Site ContentRomeo and JulietAct 1Scene 5
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“ a snowy dove trooping with crows”
Metaphor
Act 1,
Scene 5
Lines 43-48

A play on the word "shows" as explained in myShakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Act 1, Scene 5.

Romeo

O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!
It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night
As a rich jewel in an Ethiope's ear — 
Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear.
So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows,
As yonder lady o'er her fellows shows.

Romeo plays on the word “shows” while noting that the woman who has captured his attention stands out from the other ladies at the party as would a white dove among a flock of black crows.