Question

Phœbus is another name for the god Apollo. Sometimes Apollo is considered the sun god, sometimes not. Phœbus usually means sun god, whether or not it is referring to Apollo. Phœbus is said to have a horse-drawn chariot that travels across the sky each day. That chariot is the sun.

What is the subject (referent) of Juliet's allusion? In other words, who is Juliet addressing?

Gallop apace, you fiery-footed steeds,
Towards Phœbus' lodging;

(III, iii, 3-4)
A)the sun
B)Phœbus
C)the horses drawing the sun
D)Phœbus's chariot

Answer 1

C)the horses drawing the sun

Juliet is addressing the horses drawing the sun. She uses the words "gallop" and "steeds" to describe them. Also, in the background information provided, it says that Phoebus has a "horse-drawn chariot that travels across the sky each day." The sun is not a steed, nor it is plural. The same is true of Phoebus and Phoebus's chariot. Therefore, these options are all eliminated. The horses are the only possible answer.