The Role of Love in Romeo and Juliet

The modern literature community recognizes Shakespeare as one of the most brilliant minds in the history of dramatic theatre. His unmatched ability to represent human behavior and emotion makes the love in Romeo and Juliet the driving force behind the play's success. Shakespeare incorporated many different types of love in order to capture the hearts of the Elizabeth Era.

Juliet's nurse shows amazing concern for the young girl's well being. She, in some ways, takes the place of her natural mother ("Examples of Love in Romeo and Juliet"). Lady Capulet treated Juliet as a naīve young girl with no knowledge and feelings of her own. Nurse recognized the maturity of Juliet and helped to make her truly content. During the entire traumatic experience of arranging a marriage between Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, the nurse aided the two young lovers in their quest to be together. She acts as a messenger from Romeo, Juliet, and the friar ("Examples of Love in Romeo and Juliet"). Despite the nurse's efforts the plans go array because of the arranged marriage between Juliet and Paris. At this time, the nurse shows her love for Juliet once again. She goes to Juliet's defense and stands up to Lord Capulet by saying: "God in heaven bless

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Capulet felt helpless as his daughter slipped further and further into depression. However, his plan backfires and worsens the situation. He strengthened Romeo's character and gave him a more experienced outlook on love. The love Romeo showed for his friend does not end at his death. He tries to reason with the love-sicken Romeo after losing Rosaline. The words must be accompanied by actions. Her soul perhaps overwhelms her common sense. Another example of fatherly love was shown through Lord Capulet to Juliet. He starts a battle with Tybalt in order to take vengeance on his Mercutio's life:

"Alive in triumph, and Mercutio slain?/ Away to heaven respective lenity, and fire-eyed fury be my conduct now!/ Now, Tybalt, take the "villain" back again that late though gavest me; for Mercutio's soul I but a little way above our heads/ Staying for thine to keep him company/ Either thou or I, or both, must go with him" (Act III, Scene 1, Line 121-129)

Without the ever-present love among the peers of the characters in Romeo and Juliet, the plot would have never developed into such an enticing storyline. Benvolio allows Romeo to progress with his life instead of wallowing in his self-pity. The prince exiles Romeo because of his murder of Tybalt. I believe that he cared deeply for his daughter. Romeo finds his love lying motionless in the tomb. This leaves the young man alone and scared of his future.

Approximate Word count = 1196
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

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