Literal Meaning:
* Mannerly: This refers to proper social behavior and etiquette.
* Devotion: This refers to love, affection, and faithfulness.
So, on a literal level, "mannerly devotion" implies showing love and affection in a way that is socially acceptable.
Metaphorical Meaning:
However, Juliet's statement carries a deeper metaphorical meaning. She is suggesting that Romeo's outward expressions of love are more about following social norms than genuine feeling.
She says, "He jests at scars that never felt a wound. But, soft! what day is this?"
* "Jests at scars": Romeo's seemingly sincere love for Juliet is compared to a person who jokes about injuries they have never experienced. He is simply playing the part of a loving suitor, not truly feeling the depth of his emotions.
In essence, Juliet is questioning the authenticity of Romeo's love. She implies that it is more about conforming to societal expectations of love than genuine feelings.
Context:
This line comes after Juliet has just heard Romeo profess his love for her. However, she is suspicious of his intentions, especially considering his recent past with Rosaline. She doesn't know whether to trust him or not.
Overall:
Juliet's use of "mannerly devotion" highlights the tension between social expectations and genuine feelings in love. She is skeptical of Romeo's motives and suspects his love might be a mere performance, devoid of true passion.