Shakespeare's character Romeo from Romeo and Juliet has been observed from every possible angle. Romeo is a very complex character who has many complex emotions. One major topic that is discussed is whether Romeo acted out of love or youthful, rash behavior. Even though Romeo made some rash decisions, he was truly in love.
Romeo's words suggest that he is in love with Juliet. For example in 2.6.7-8 Romeo says, "Then love-devouring death do what he dare, it is enough I may call her mine." When Romeo says this he is saying that he loves Juliet so much that he would die for her. If Romeo just liked Juliet or was acting out rashness then he wouldn't have gone so far as to say that he would die for her. When Friar Lawrence asks Romeo if he has been with Juliet he responds by saying, " With Rosaline? No. I have forgot that name and that name's woe." (2.3.48-49) This proves that he no longer loves Rosaline. Juliet has made Romeo realize that he never really loved Rosaline. Because Rosaline never returned Romeo's feelings of love Romeo always felt terrible when thinking about Rosaline. Lastly in 2.3.61-62 Romeo speaks fondly of Juliet, "Plainly know my heart know my hearts' dear love is set on the fair daughter of rich Capulet." Romeo is saying that his mind and heart is set on Juliet and he won't change his mind or ever feel differently. Some people would say that he only wants to marry Juliet because as he says Capulet is rich. But this isn't true because he is saying that he loves her with all of his heart. Capulet just happens to be rich and he is just stating this as a fact.
In conclusion Romeo acted out of true love. While some people may argue that all of his actions were rash, he was just so in love that he couldn't stand not being with Juliet all of the time. Love makes you do silly things that can lead you to make rash decisions, but those decisions can still be out of true love.
No comments:
Post a Comment