When people think of, or discuss, the play Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare, love probably first comes to their mind and surfaces in their discussion. Love, however, can represent different things to different people. Love, like fire, can be either purifying or destructive. In this play, Shakespeare does not limit himself to only one type of love, but shows both the dangers and benefits of various degrees of emotional relationships. If one closely examines this play, he demonstrates three main patterns of love: friendship, compassion, and passion. He creatively uses these three patterns to show that love can be prevalent in any circumstance.
             One of the main characters, Benvolio, best portrays love through his many friendships. When violence becomes prevalent in the story, Benvolio watches out for his friends and relatives, always encouraging peace as an alternative to combat. He speaks against fighting by saying, "I pray thee, good Mercutio, let's retire. The day is hot, the Capels are abroad, And, if we meet, we shall not 'scape a brawl," (Act III, Scene 1, lines 1-3). Another way Benvolio shows his concern, as an element of his love and friendship for Romeo, comes through his wise counsel. When Romeo, distraught over Rosaline, a girl he thinks he loves, comes to Benvolio, he provides excellent advice to Romeo, saying, "Compare her face with some that I shall show, And I will make thee think thy swan a crow." (Act I, Scene 2, lines 88-89). Benvolio's response shows a devoted friendship to Romeo that truly indicates a deep and meaningful love. Like a warm fire in the winter brings comfort, true friendship provides companionship and enlightenment.
             Shakespeare demonstrates another type of love, compassion, through the resolve of an ongoing feud between the Capulets and Montagues. All citizens in the town of Verona knew well the hated between these houses. Tybalt personifies the hatred between ...