The Language Of Love In Shakespeare “Romeo And Juliet”
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The Language of Love in
Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction
2. Development and adoption of the love between the protagonists
2.1. Love at first sight
2.2. Further themes of the play
2.2.1. violence, fight and hate
2.2.2. Sex and humor
3. The setting as an element of the play
3.1. Setting: the location
3.2. Setting: the weather
4. Language elements: contrasts and metaphors
5. The action of the play
6. The Character of Romeo – his relation to love
7. The Character of Juliet – her development towards an adulthood love
8. Conclusion
9. Bibliography
1. Introduction
Romeo and Juliet is thought to have been written in 1595 or 1596. The story of the two famous lovers was adapted by Shakespeare but it is his version that is known to old and young the world over. It is a tragic story of forbidden love; the whole episode of Romeo and Juliets meeting, falling in love, marriage, and tragic end, takes place within five days. This work will analyze the love between the two protagonists Romeo and Juliet and will give an insight into the development of the love between the two world-famous lovers. Furthermore, main topics and themes will be described and the language of the play should be explored (special features such as metaphors, names and contrasts).
2. Development and adoption of the love between the protagonists
2.1. Love at first sight
Love at first sight is a widely debated notion. Some say that true love based on physical appearance without a deeper understanding of a person does not exist. Others argue that one may be able to recognize true love immediately. Shakespeare devotes part of the play to this question. He makes reference to Romeo and Juliet as star-crossed lovers. In other words, the two lovers are thwarted by destiny from the very beginning. Although not meant to be together, they may still truly love each other. Romeo first sees Juliet during her parents banquet. His reaction in Act I shows that Juliets appearance greatly affects him:
“O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!
It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night
As a rich jewel in an Ethiops ear-
Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear!
He says to him, Did my heart love till now? Romeo quickly decides that he is in love with Juliet even though he has not yet spoken to her. Juliet is more level-headed. She refuses his advances at first, but later allows him to kiss her. At this point, the feelings of both characters appear at a superficial level. However, fate tests their devotion by unmasking their identities. Juliet is found to be a Capulet, and Romeo a Montague; a discovery upsetting them simultaneously. However, they do not question their love. This leads the audience to believe their love is real. By presenting opposing views of their love, Shakespeare leaves room for one to question their love without completely invalidating it.
2.2. Further themes of the play
2.2.1. violence, fight and hate
In addition to love at first sight, the feud between the Montagues and Capulets is also a main theme of the play. The world that Shakespeare has chosen to portray is violent and hate-filled from the very beginning. The prologue shows the audience exactly how the feud will play a major role throughout the production. The Chorus states:
“The fearful passage of their death-marked love,
And the continuance of their parents rage
Which, but their childrens end, naught could remove,
Is now the two hours traffic of our stage”
This shows that everything in the play relates to the progress of Romeo and Juliets love, and the ongoing family feud. One is always aware of the tension between the two sides because of this strife. The violence is minor at first, but intensifies throughout the play. In the first scene, Benvolio of the Montague household fights Tybalt of the Capulet household. However, this is a mere scuffle in the street. No one is seriously harmed. After Romeo and Juliet are married, the violent action begins gaining pace. Tybalt murders Mercutio in Act III, scene I. His dying words, A plague o both your houses! foreshadow the end of the play, and the end of the violence. Mercutios death enrages Romeo, who challenges Tybalt, saying, …Mercutios soul is but a little way above our heads, staying for thine to keep him company. Either thou or I, or both, must go with him. Romeo slays Tybalt, and is banished to Mantua by the Prince.
Romeo will kill twice more before the end of the play. After he is misinformed about Juliets death, he plans to poison himself by her dead body. At the tomb, Paris attempts to apprehend Romeo. When he will not listen to Romeos reasoning, Romeo slays him. Once inside the tomb, Romeo drinks the powerful poison and dies. Juliet awakens almost immediately thereafter. She realizes what has happened and fatally stabs herself with Romeos dagger. “Only with the death of their own children do Montague and Capulet bury their hatred” . The Prince states See what a scourge is laid upon your hate, That heaven finds a means to kill your joys with love/…All are punished. The feud was an embodiment of the immaturity of the parents. Five of their loved ones died before the realization occurred.
2.2.2. Sex and humor
Themes of a play result from various elements explored throughout the entire work. Love at first sight and feuding families are two abstract topics. The