In Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," one character questions another's claim of being out of breath. The irony lies in the fact that the person who asserts this is actually speaking, thereby demonstrating that they are not truly lacking breath. This moment highlights the complexity of communication and the subtleties of human expression.
The quote also emphasizes the theme of love and miscommunication in the play—where feelings often overshadow clear expression. The exchange suggests that even in moments of emotional intensity, clarity can sometimes be lost, reflecting the intricate nature of relationships in the story.