Themes in Romeo and Juliet
Essay by krysta1999 • August 14, 2016 • Study Guide • 712 Words (3 Pages) • 1,253 Views
Themes in Romeo and Juliet
- Love
- Conflict
- The idea of love
The themes are found in Act 2 Sc 2, Act 2 Sc 4 and 5, Act 3 Sc 1, Act 4 Sc 1 and Act 5 Sc 3
The themes of love:
In act 2 Sc 2, the theme of love is explored in detail. Shakespeare portrays the two young lovers Romeo and Juliet as feeling unconditional and uncontrollable love towards each other. This means that’s despite the fact that they come from warring, families they still promise their unconditional love to each other.
- Romeo said, “I have nights cloak to hide me from their eyes… My life were better ended by their hate, than death prorogued, wanting of they love” the antithesis of Romeo’s words suggests that without love, he has no life. He uses a metaphor of ‘night cloak’ to explain that this enough protection, and if not, he would rather take punishment, that be without Juliet.
- Romeo: “It is my lady, O it is my love”. Romeo uses possessive language to reveal that Juliet has already won his heart. This is the same night he has meant Juliet so it reinforces the idea of love at first sight.
- Romeo: “O that I a glove upon that hard” Romeo uses a metaphor to highlight hoe close to Juliet he desires to be. The emphasis the over whelming nature of passion with which Romeo desires Juliet.
- Juliet: “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet” shaksphere uses a rhetorical question to query that concept ‘ancient grudge’. Through the metaphor of the rose, Juliet portrays love’s ability to conquer and prejudice and bring peace even between old foes.
- Juliet: “O swear no by the moon, th’inconstant moon, that monthly changes in her circled orb, lest that thy love prove likewise variable” Juliet is desperate from Romeo’s love to show that it will be constant, a never ending force between them. Shakespeare metaphor compares ‘th’inconstant moon’ to a love that Juliet sees as false. The image reinforces Juliet and Romeo’s desire for everlasting love.
What we know about love:
- Everyone feels love no matter what
- Love is uncondional
- Love is powerful
- Love demands to be felt
- Love is painful
The themes of conflict
Act3, scene 1 when Tybalt confronts Mercutio and the Romeo. The fight scenes that take place are exploring the effects of conflict, particularly when it spills on to public spaces. One of the dire consequences of this violence is the death of two main characters, Mercutio and Tybalt, and the banishment of Romeo.
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