Romeo and Juliet
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William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is classified as a tragedy, and by definition a tragedy involves the working of fate in the lives of the protagonists. The inevitable downfall of the hero derives as a rule from some character flaw over which the individual has no control. For Romeo and Juliet, the "flaw" is their love for one another, a love which is not allowed given the antagonisms that exist between their families. At a number of points in the story, a change in one or two elements could have produced a different outcome. Shakespeare presents the matter as inevitable, however, because the characters could not possibly make those changes. They are living out their destinies, and the choices they make derive from their characters and the situations in which they find themselves. More than this, their choices have been limited for them by their parents and their parents' parents. They have inherited a family situation and a social and political structure that does not allow them to make choices that are completely free. Their choices are always under the control of forces outside themselves. This is why their deaths could not be avoided. The inevitability of the story of these lovers is indicated in the Prologue, spoken by a Chorus, which means that the speaker stands outside the action as an omniscient observer and sees beyond the immediate situation, conveying to the audience the sense of fate taking a hand in the destiny of these individuals. The Chorus
. . .
the sun!"
(II.ii.2-3)
In this scene below Juliet's window, Romeo shows how deeply he feels this passion in words that are flowery, excessive, and even juvenile in their intensity. The viewer knows, however, that nothing will deter this young man from pursuing this passion, and the viewer has also already seen the danger in any meeting, let alone friendly gesture, between a Capulet and a Montague.
Romeo meets Juliet secretly, fully aware of what it means for him to have a passion for this particular young woman. Romeo has fallen in love with Juliet at first sight, and when he does he is not aware of her identity. He learns almost immediately who she is and is dismayed at the news, but undeterred in his feelings for her. From the first, the obstacles to their love are known and recognized by them. The actions they take are attempts to circumvent these obstacles, but all efforts are doomed because those obstacles have been foretold by the stars.
These actions are taken in secret, avoiding the confrontation that would ensue if the two professed their love openly. They are married in secret, and Romeo wants this marriage to have a beneficial effect on their families. The Friar who marries the couple is not so ce
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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1921
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page)
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