Romeo and juliet darkness

'Darkness, death and sorrow dominate this play. There are no positive elements to the play.'

In the play Romeo and Juliet darkness, death and sorrow are certainly present and often dominant at certain times throughout the story. However, these more negative aspects are not the focus of the whole play as there are many positive elements that also dominate in certain parts. Some of these positive elements that Shakespeare explores include love, comedy, friendship and courage. These positive elements are also as equally powerful in the play's overall theme as the more tragic elements.

The theme of love in the story is exemplified by the adjectives powerful, positive, exclusive, strong, lasting, impulsive. It is a powerful love by the fact that it overcomes the immense family forces working to keep Romeo and Juliet apart. It is also a positive love because it is based upon the expectation by Romeo and Juliet of a happy and lasting life together. Their love is certainly exclusive as it totally focussed on each other, to the total exclusion of everyone else, including their friends and families. While their love is relatively short, it is strong and lasting and endures the remainder of their short lives.

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This is clearly one of the most positive aspects of both Romeo and Juliet's love and is the basis for Romeo and Juliet's friendships and relationships with other characters in the play. It would be inappropriate to say that either the positive or negative aspects dominate the play, rather each plays an important role in providing the necessary balance between the up side of Romeo and Juliet's love eg. She adores Juliet and would do anything to please her as a dear friend. In particular, Romeo and Juliet's friends provide support to them in their times of need. Both Romeo and Juliet fell in love quickly and acted on their love without hesitation. ' The Nurse goes out of her way to help Juliet and risks her position. This theme is present in all the actions of extreme bravery and commitment displayed by the characters. ' This challenge eventuates in Tybalt's death at 'Romeo's hand' and ultimately Romeo's banishment from Verona. A specific example is the scene where Mercutio, Benvolio and to a lesser extent Romeo are mocking the nurse and making fun of her as she enters the street. This choice was very courageous as she was risking her own life 'to live an unstained wife to my sweet love. This lightens the atmosphere without compromising the more serious central themes of the play.

Courage and extreme selflessness for the sake of a friend is displayed by Romeo in Act 3 Scene 1. Romeo and Juliet's love is based upon friendship and the commitment of loyalty and sharing.

The element of courage is one of the strongest themes in the play.

Approximate Word count = 808
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

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