Explore the different approaches to the theme of love and marriage presented in Acts one and Act Two of Romeo and Juliet Essay Example For Students

Explore the different approaches to the theme of love and marriage presented in Acts one and Act Two of Romeo and Juliet Essay William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet is one of the most famous love stories of all time. Written in approximately 1595, it is considered to be one of Shakespeares great works. Using the on-going feud between the Montagues and the Capulets as a backdrop to his play, Shakespeare gains an insight into the lives of the residents of Verona. As the story unfolds, a great variety of moral approaches and explanations as to the meaning of love and value of marriage are explored. Different characters in the play have diverse approaches to the theme of love and marriage. At the beginning of the play, Romeo is clearly fascinated with the notion of being in love. It is this attraction to being in love rather than actual love that is displayed for the character of Rosaline. The audience does not see Rosaline throughout the whole play; they only gain an insight to her from Romeos clichà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½d descriptions. Shakespeare makes a play on words in the language he uses when describing the places Romeo goes when in love with Rosaline. e.g. Benvolio tells of Romeos times in the grove of sycamore (sick-a-more), revealing Romeos love sick indulgence. In the words of Mercutio, Romeos love for Rosaline is nothing but vain fantasy. Romeo is seen to spend much of his time in darkness whilst he is infatuated with Rosaline. Benvolio describes him as stealing away into the covert of the wood. A comparison can be made with Romeos love for Juliet and the infatuation with Rosal ine in the language that is used. With Rosaline, Romeo is always described as being confused and lamenting at his situation. Romeos use of oxymorons develop this impression of bewilderment; heavy lightness, serious vanity /feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, but his love for Juliet is genuine and pure. An interesting interpretation of Romeos rehearsed love for Rosaline is made in Luhrmanns Romeo + Juliette (1996). When the character of Romeo is first introduced he is writing down the oxymorons oh brawling love, oh loving hate Later, when he speaks to Benvolio he repeats these words again, giving the false impression of spontaneity though the audience know that this is not the case. Taking the popular expression to be in the dark to mean not knowing the full truth or not understanding, Shakespeare is dropping a subtle hint at the fact that what is shown for Rosaline is not really love at all, it is just a well rehearsed idea in the imagination of a teenage boy. Benvolio also makes an important insight into Romeos love for Rosaline Blind is his love, and best befits the dark. One could say that when Romeo meets Juliet, he has seen the light. Romeo instantly sees Juliet as the right woman for him. In saying, Did my heart love till now? and I neer saw true beauty till this night; Romeo finally reveals to himself and the audience that his previous impression of love was false. He describes Juliet in terms of light and all the beautiful things associated with light. To him she is now the sun who kills the envious moon. This is a far cry from the images of despair and darkness shown for Rosaline. Juliet is a pure, almost god-like being to him and he has completely dis pelled any thought of love for Rosaline. Later in Act 2, when Friar Lawrence questions Romeo on Rosaline he replies RosalineNo/I have forgot that name and that names woe; she is nothing more than a distant memory to him. How is Sheila affected by her realization EssayFriar Lawrence is one of the most interesting and mysterious characters of the play. His early interest in plants and herbs indicates some of the events that that take place at the end of the play. In saying that Poison hath residence in these plants it is clear to the audience that this is a potential component to Romeo and Juliets deaths at the end of the play. Friar Lawrence is pleased to hear of the news that Romeo no longer dotes on Rosaline and comments on this love by saying Thy love did read by rote that could not spell. This is clear confirmation that it is visible to all that Romeo could not spell out his love for Rosaline and had merely recited different impressions of love as they came into his head. He notes that youthful love rests Not truly in their hearts, but in their eyes this wise analysis portrays Friar Lawrence to be a learned and wise man whose advise should be listened too. His willingness to agree to marry Romeo and Juliet; although an apparent gesture of goodwill, is seen by many as to be the cause for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet later on in the play. Shakespeares use of language is a clear indication at the general mood of the play. It is often those with less social status who do not use rhyme. For example the serving staff in the first scene speak using slang and use little eloquent language in their speech. My naked weapon is out, said by Sampson is a line unlikely to be used by somebody of higher class. When Romeo and Juliet share their romantic encounter on Juliets balcony, some of the most beautiful language of play is used. Shakespeares use of sonnets and the religious references are vital to the structure of their lines. Loves light wings make this experience almost dreamlike for both persons; so much so, that Juliet sees it essential to confirm this love, which is in her mind too rash, too unadvised, too sudden, with marriage. Another evocative use of language is in the words said by Friar Lawrence. A striking resemblance between the way Mercutio speaks and the way Juliets Nurse speak can also be observed. The Nurses wor ds of seek happy nights to happy days said to Juliet, are similar to Mercutios advice to stop burdening love when it is such a tender thing. The Nurse and Mercutio also enjoy making sexual suggestions. In conclusion, love and marriage are approached by different characters in Romeo and Juliet from different points of view. This specific point of view is determined by a variety of factors, namely: social class, age and personality. Despite these differences in opinion, all characters agree on one fundamental thought: that love and marriage are not one-dimensioned states of mind. They are multi faceted ideas and there is no absolute definition for each one. Love and marriage cannot be experienced by an individual but by two individuals who each have their own aspirations for life.