Puns

Puns and Oxymorons

Some of the fun figurative language that Shakespeare uses in Romeo and Juliet to alleviate tension and add some humor.

Examples:

• Example of an Oxymoron: Love-Hate Relationship

• Example of a Pun: “Now is the winter of our discontent … made glorious summer by this sun of York.” (Richard III): This is a play on the word sun. He is referring to the son of York, but uses sun here to also tie in with the summer.

• An elephant’s opinion carries a lot of weight. (This is a play on the fact that elephant’s are a heavy animal.)

• Let's go look at some examples and determine if they are oxymorons or puns being used

Multiple Choice

Susie submitted the original copies via mail.

• Oxymoron

• Pun

Multiple Choice

That movie was seriously funny.

• Oxymoron

• Pun

Multiple Choice

The knight said it was extremely dark outside as he rode through the forest.

• Oxymoron

• Pun

Multiple Choice

The tree had a lot of bark but little bite.

• Oxymoron

• Pun

Multiple Choice

The room was dimly lit.

• Oxymoron

• Pun