Themes: The Transformative Power of Love
Juliet first appears in the play as a submissive, almost silent child, who dutifully promises not only that she will try to fall in love with Paris, the suitor her parents have chosen for her, but that she will love him only as much as her parents give her their permission to do so. Romeo, at the same time, is the conventional despondent lover of a troubadour’s song, weeping and sighing for a disdainful young woman who barely acknowledges his existence.
There are few literary moments, even in Shakespeare’s drama, to equal the excitement and transformative power of Romeo and Juliet’s first meeting. Romeo seizes Juliet’s hand, the first of several actions on his part (including breaking into her garden and staring up at the window of her bedroom) that might seem worrying if the audience, like the lovers, were not swept away by the sheer energy of the verse. While the tongue-tied lover is a common trope of fiction, Romeo and Juliet continually pour out their adoration in a flood of passionate words, beginning with a perfect sonnet, which is symbolic of their immediate certainty that they were made for each other. Romeo opens their conversation with a complex religious image, to which Juliet responds with an intelligent and beautiful extension of the conceit. The perfect sonnet ends with a perfect kiss.
Juliet was indifferent to Paris and prepared to accept him out of filial duty. Meanwhile, Romeo sighed for Rosaline, who made him miserable. The galvanizing effect of true love on both of them is shown as Juliet instantly becomes a brilliantly expressive woman, whose passion is equalled by her intelligence and loyalty, while Romeo turns with equal suddenness into a paragon of joy. Mercutio, who has mocked Romeo’s moping about Rosaline, is astonished by the transformation he sees after Romeo’s engagement to Juliet (although he is, of course, unaware of the cause), exclaiming, “now art thou sociable, now art thou Romeo; now art thou what thou art.” It is this same transformation that makes Romeo so reluctant to fight Tybalt, leading to Mercutio’s intervention and death. After Romeo and Juliet meet, the sheer force of their feelings is evident in everything they do and say. The audience is in a privileged position to understand this, since no one around them—not even Friar Laurence or the Nurse—sees the intensity of their love, and Juliet’s parents are baffled by her sudden aversion to marrying Paris. The audience alone sees the transformative power of love, which turns two young people who first appear rather commonplace into the archetypes of romance.
Expert Q&A
In Romeo and Juliet, what does Romeo mean by "here's much to do with hate, but more with love"?
In "Romeo and Juliet," Romeo's statement "here's much to do with hate, but more with love" reflects the intertwined nature of love and hate within the play. He makes this remark after witnessing a fight between the Montague and Capulet servants, symbolizing hate, yet motivated by loyalty and love for their families. This theme is further explored through Romeo and Juliet's relationship, which, despite being born of opposing families filled with hatred, centers fundamentally on love.
The portrayal and types of love in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet
In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare portrays various types of love, including romantic love between Romeo and Juliet, familial love within the Capulet and Montague families, and platonic love among friends like Romeo, Mercutio, and Benvolio. Romantic love is intense and passionate, while familial love is often strained by the feud, and platonic love provides support and camaraderie.
What does "The fearful passage of their death-mark'd love" mean in Romeo and Juliet?
The phrase "The fearful passage of their death-mark'd love" in Romeo and Juliet refers to the tragic journey of the two main characters' doomed love. The audience is informed from the start about Romeo and Juliet's ill-fated romance, which is marked by death due to their feuding families. Their tragic deaths, however, bring an end to the long-standing feud, signifying that their love did not end in vain.
Quotes from Romeo and Juliet representing unrequited, romantic, and parental love
Quotes from Romeo and Juliet representing different types of love include: unrequited love, "She hath forsworn to love, and in that vow / Do I live dead that live to tell it now" (Act 1, Scene 1); romantic love, "My bounty is as boundless as the sea, / My love as deep" (Act 2, Scene 2); and parental love, "My child is yet a stranger in the world" (Act 1, Scene 2).
Shakespeare's portrayal of strong emotions in Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare portrays strong emotions in Romeo and Juliet through intense and passionate language, dramatic conflicts, and the impulsive actions of the characters. Love, hate, and despair are vividly depicted, driving the narrative and leading to the ultimate tragedy. The emotional extremes experienced by Romeo and Juliet emphasize the intensity and consequences of their youthful passion.
Shakespeare's depiction of Romeo and Juliet's relationship in the early part of the play
In the early part of the play, Shakespeare depicts Romeo and Juliet's relationship as intense and immediate. Their love is portrayed as passionate and all-consuming, highlighting their youthful impulsiveness and the powerful attraction they feel for each other. This rapid development sets the stage for the drama and tragedy that follows.
Significant Quotes on Love in Romeo and Juliet
In Romeo and Juliet, significant quotes illustrate various aspects of love. Tybalt's rashness is evident in his quick assumptions, while Lord Capulet's guilt over the feud shows maturity. Mercutio's jesting stance on love contrasts with Romeo's romantic ideals. Unrequited love is seen in Juliet's rejection of Paris and Rosaline's indifference to Romeo, highlighting impulsive and contrasting loves. Romantic love is vividly captured in the balcony scene and Romeo's initial awe at Juliet's beauty, illustrating love's transformative power.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.
