Another important aspect of Renaissance poetry is its ability to mirror universal human experiences. Because Renaissance poets explored the passions, both noble and ignoble, of man, we should not be surprised when we see reflections of ourselves in their works. Consider for instance the famous balcony scene from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. In this scene, Shakespeare explores the universal wonder of amorous love:

                    Romeo:  But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?

                    It is the east, Juliet is the sun...

                    Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven,

                    Having  some business, do entreat her eyes

                    To twinkle in their spheres till they return. 

                    What if her eyes were there, they in her head?

                    What if her eyes were there, they in her head?

                    The brightness of her cheek, would shame those stars,

                    Would through the airy region stream so bright

                    That birds would sing and think it were not night.                    

Undoubtedly, Romeo articulates in colorful metaphorical images the universal experience of romantic infatuation. In the mirror of  Romeo's verse, we are confronted with our own passions and desires for what Aristotle identifies as "the beautiful."

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