Romeo & Juliet Theme of Love By Andrew, Katie and Margaux

Introduction “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare is an enthralling play in which the two main characters are doomed for death from the beginning. The theme of love is evident throughout the play, but is expressed in many different forms through various characters.

Sampson & Gregory They view love as a physical act rather than an emotion “Tis true; and therefore woman, being the weaker vessels, are ever thrust to the wall” Shows their crude, bawdy and smutty attitudes towards women.

Romeo Has an overly- romanticised view on love Impulsive and immature attitude ‘O brawling love! O loving hate! O anything, of nothing first create!’ He wallows in self pity- this highlights his view of love and its connections to pain and suffering. He lets his uncontrollable feelings about love engulf him

Mercutio He too sees the physical rather than the emotional side of love ‘If love be rough with you, be rough with love’ He tries to tease Romeo out of his lovesick, dream-like state. He sees it affecting Romeo in a negative way.

Lady and Lord Capulet Marries for money, good status and security. ‘An you be mine, Ill give you to my friend; an you be not, hang, beg, starve, die in the streets.’ ‘having now provided a gentleman of noble parentage’ ‘Well, think of marriage now, younger than you, here in Verona, ladies of esteem are made already mothers’ View marriage as a kind of business arrangement with no emotion involved. Father gives away daughter like she is an object.

Romeo and Juliet Their love is spiritual and emotional. They are fated to be together- their love is so perfect is does not have to be questioned when they fall in love at first sight. ‘O, speak again, bright angel’ Constant references and comparisons of their love for each other to light and dark- shows a contrast between the violent suicidal nature of their love and the passion between them, making them blind to everything else.

Conclusion Throughout the play, the theme of love is evident through the varying views and attitudes portrayed by the different characters. Several characters see it as an arrangement in order to secure wealth and status however others view love as a physical relationship with no involvement of emotion and feeling. Romeo and Juliet are the exception, as they together demonstrate a spiritual bond that no other characters can relate to. This ultimately leads to their tragic suicides, reminding other characters that there is more to love than what they initially thought.