Question

What does romeo mean when he says my lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand to smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss?

Answer 1

Romeo's line is a metaphor where his lips are 'two blushing pilgrims' eager to kiss Juliet, showing the sacred aspect of their love.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Romeo says "my lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand to smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss," he uses a metaphor referring to his lips as pilgrims that are worshipful and eager to heal the potential sacrilege of touching Juliet's hand with a gentle kiss. This line showcases the delicate and sacred view he has of Juliet and their budding romance, encapsulating the themes of love and reverence present throughout Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

Answer 2

Shakespeare means if Juliet is offended by the touch of his "unworthy" hand, his two lips are standing there and waiting like blushing pilgrims, ready to make things better with a kiss.