What is this thing called love? Love is unselfish, understanding and kind, for it sees with its heart and not with its mind. Love is ecstasy and torment, freedom and slavery. Love makes the world go round. In William Shakespeare’s tragic play, “Romeo and Juliet” it is proven that love is the most dominant theme that pushes the two lovers to defy their family and their entire society. Romeo and Juliet secretely marry, and make a rash, irresponsible decision that leads to their tragic deaths. Instantly, Romeo and Juliet are attracted to each other; she by Romeo’s words, and he by Juliet’s beauty.
When Romeo first sees Juliet, he is completely astounded by her beauty. Without even knowing the name of this lovely stranger, Romeo’s eyes take complete control over his heart and mind, and set him in a helpless state of love. He speaks of Juliet as though she is an angel; “O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright/ It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night/As a rich jewel in an Ethiop’s ear “1. 5. 45-47. In addition, Romeo and Juliet fall in love even though they know that their love is forbidden. They make rash decisions not knowing what lies ahead.
All they care about is what they both feel for one another not thinking about the consequences that they have to face sooner or later. Their decisions are based on their passion rather than with their minds. Juliet states her rash decision when she says “Deny thy father and refuse thy name/And I’ll no longer be a Capulet” 2. 2. 36-37. She expresses her love for Romeo. Also, Juliet is so blind by her love for Romeo that she wants to forget her own name as well just to be with him. Romeo and Juliet defy their parents when they decide to marry secretely.
In addition, Romeo defies ruler. He returns to Verona after being exiled by the Prince. At the very moment Balthazar inform Romeo that Juliet is dead, he quickly decides to go back and to die with her. Romeo’s sudden decision is proven when he says; “Well, Juliet, I will lie with thee tonight” 5. 1. 36. At the same time, Romeo knows that going back to Verona is dangerous and risky for him but he doesn’t care about any of that because the only thing he cares about is the desire to be with the one he loves even in death.
Innocence is easy to kill but hard to regain. Juliet’s love is totally pure and innocent. She has never been in love. Being a 13 year old girl, Juliet strongly believes in love, life and passion. Her fathers support this statement when he exclaims “My child is yet a stranger in the world, She hath not seen the change of fourteen years” 1. 5. 8. 9. Romeo and Juliet are both still young, immature, inexperience, and naïve. However, the unexpected death of Tybalt tarnishes their innocence.
To illustrate, Romeo kills Tybalt in order to take revenge for the death of his friend Mercutio. Taken over by anger Romeo starts fight with and kills Tybalt. Thus, he has done the wrong thing for the right reason. Benvolio explains everything to the prince by saying “Tybalt, here slain, whom Romeo’s hand did slay/Romeo, that spoke him fair, bid him bethink” 3. 1. 151-152. Accordingly, Romeo and Juliet experience loss of love one, hate, and violence that result from their love. Now, they can see how cruel the world can be.
For instance, Romeo sacrifices himself for her. Here’s to my love! O true apothecary, Thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die 5. 5. 119-120. When Juliet finally awake in the tomb to find her Romeo lying dead beside her tomb, she shows true strength, courage, and an overall passion that makes her heart believe she cannot live without Romeo, by tragically taking her own life. This brings an end to their passionate love, and to their family feud, because their parents realize love is stronger than hate.
Clearly, love is the most dominant theme that leads the two young lovers to defy their family and their entire society. In addition, they make rash, irresponsible decisions that lead them to their tragic deaths. In Shakespeare’s tragic play, Romeo and Juliet is clearly a victim of the major role of love in their tragic deaths. These two lovers are victim of tragic love, however even though they both die in a tragic way, it is indeed the only possible way that their family is going to end the feud and to get along in harmony.
