Romeo and Juliet Study Notes: THEMES

Answering an Exam Question The following notes will give you some examples of how to use a particular scene to discuss the theme of Romeo and Juliet. When asked an exam question on a particular scene it is all too tempting to summarise the scene. This will not earn you marks. The examiner knows the story already, you do not need to tell them. You need to be able to analyse and discuss why what happens in that scene is important and what does it show you?

THEMES A. LOVE AND HATE Romeo and Juliet fall in love in a world of feuding and hostility but their steadfast love for each other struggles against all obstacles and in the end brings love and reconciliation to Verona.

Love Quotation: “O. She doth teach the torches to burn bright Love Quotation: “O! She doth teach the torches to burn bright. It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night Like a rich jewel in an Ethiop’s ear” Context: When Romeo sees Juliet for the first time he is struck by her beauty and breaks into a sonnet.

Technique: (How is this theme shown?) Shakespeare uses rich imagery to describe Romeo’s reaction to seeing Juliet for the first time. Romeo describes her as a source of light. He uses a metaphor to convey that she is a  star on the ‘cheek of night’ and uses the simile ‘like a rich jewel’ to convey how precious  she is. Analysis (relate to overall meaning/theme/plot): The theme of love is conveyed here as Romeo starts to fall in love with Juliet the instant he sees her for the first time. This is also the moment that the relationship between them begins. The reference to stars also serve to remind us that they are ‘star-crossed lovers’.

Hate Quotation: Tybalt: “What. Drawn, and talk of peace Hate Quotation: Tybalt: “What! Drawn, and talk of peace? I hate the word. As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee.” (They Fight) Context: “Romeo and Juliet” begins with a violent brawl and it is soon clear that hate and violence are major themes in the play. The opening scene is one of conflict. Tybalt has just arrived on stage to find Benvolio trying to stop a fight between servants from the Capulet and Montague houses. Tybalt is outraged at such an act of peace and instigates a fight.

Techniques and Analysis (relate to overall meaning/theme): Shakespeare effectively conveys the theme of hate through his characterisation of Tybalt and the conflict which arises from his meeting with Benvolio. ‘Benvolio’ means ‘good will’ and we can see that he is a peaceful character drawn into a world of violence. The character Tybalt is aggressive, excitable and easily angered. He embodies the theme of hate and is always eager to fight and constantly seeks conflict. He demonstrates the ferocity and deep hatred associated with the feud. Here he attacks a peacemaker and draws attention to the contradiction of Benvolio’s situation. ‘Drawn and talk of peace?”

Techniques and Analysis (relate to overall meaning/theme): Benvolio is using his sword to stop the fight, he is using a symbol of violence  to try and instill peace and end conflict. For Tybalt the feud is clear-cut: The Montagues are his enemies and must be fought at any opportunity. Following this fight Capulet and Montague, wherein the real conflict lies, join the fray.  This opening scene is important as it emphasises the feud and the backdrop or setting of hatred, violence and conflict from which Romeo and Juliet’s love will grow. Their love is set within the context of hate.

B. LOVE OVERCOMING HATE The central theme of “Romeo and Juliet” is a love which overcomes hate.  Romeo and Juliet take on the hatred of world they live in and they both decide to die rather than be separated by a hostile world. However, by the end of the play love triumphs over death and hatred as the Montagues and Capulets come together to mourn their children’s deaths and bring peace to Verona. Love overcame hatred and the lovers’ deaths were not in vain.

Quotation: ‘O brother Montague Quotation: ‘O brother Montague! Give me thy hand’ Context: At the end of the play both Capulet and Montague are faced with the deaths of their children. The Prince has just given his judgement about their deaths ‘a scourge is laid upon your hate’ and the families have agreed to be reconciled. Capulet asks for Montague’s hand as a gesture of peace to end the feud.

Techniques and Analysis Both Capulet and Montague have been in conflict since the start of the play along with their families and servants. This gesture ends the themes of hate and violence and ensures a peaceful if not sombre ending to the play. The gesture is symbolic showing that love has overcome hate, a central theme, and is followed by an agreement to erect statues ‘in pure gold’ of the lovers. The love and deaths of Romeo and Juliet have overcome the hate between their parents.

DRAMA KEY TERMS When answering a question on studied drama try to cover as many terms as possible! The main characters are ............. The scene is set The play is set in Verona The climax is ............. The scene is pivotal to the plot The theme is ............... This scene effects the ending The theme of love overcoming hate A tragedy The ongoing conflict between ..............