1-5-DEVELOPED THEMES
In the novel Romeo and Juliet many theme have been
developed such as:
The Abiding Quality of Romantic Love
Although presented as a short-term expression of youthful
passion, Romeo and Juliet's love for each other ultimately wins over every form
of social constraints. The abiding quality of their selfless love is an
essential theme of the play. It serves to reinforce the claim that if authentic
lovers cannot be united in this world, they can certainly be together in the
life hereafter.
Individual against Society
The conflict between individual desires and social
institutions is a recurrent theme in «Romeo and Juliet». The young
lovers' struggle against their respective families is the most important theme.
By opting for individual fulfillment as opposed to social traditions, both
Romeo and Juliet refuse to follow the commands of their families. They
illustrate the triumph of an individual's will over social customs. On a
metaphorical level, this courage highlights the threat that young love poses to
the absurd social traditions.
Violence
The theme of violence also plays a significant role in the
play. Usually, blind passion, hatred and desperation are some instances of
violence given throughout «Romeo and Juliet». Tybalt kills Mercutio
though it was not intentional. In order to avenge Mercutio's death and in a
moment of desperation, Romeo kills Tybalt and Paris. Both murders are classic
examples of violence. The blind love of Romeo and Juliet that motivate them to
commit suicide is another example. These examples show that violence has a
vital role in this tragedy.
The Overarching Power of Patriarchy
In «Romeo and Juliet», most of the significant
decisions are made by the men of the two families, the Capulets, and the
Montagues. Lady Capulet and Lady Montague's views are not important. It is
clearly displayed by their silent assertion of their husbands' ideas in the
play. It is Lord Capulet who selects Paris as his daughter's future husband.
Then forces Juliet to abide by his decision. Perhaps the most blatant example
of the rule of men in the play is the feud between Lord Capulet and Lord
Montague. Although their wives don't harbor any ill-will toward each other, the
two Lords force their families to support them in their pointless dispute and
keep up their enmity against each other.
Death
Death is a theme that lurks throughout the play. In many ways,
«Romeo and Juliet» shows the journey of the two lovers from their
initial, love-filled meeting up to their death. Thus, death serves as the
tragic resolution of various conflicts. For instance, Romeo's conflict with
Tybalt ends with the latter's death. Moreover, the two young lovers' conflict
with the hostile social conformity ends with their untimely deaths. These
tragic losses make the entire play as if it is only a play of deaths.
Marriage
The institution of marriage is another important theme in the
play. Contrary to popular beliefs, marriage is not shown as a good institution
in the play. The play emphasizes the idea that though marriages of the Capulets
and Montagues are socially approved, it lacks a soul. On the other hand, the
union of Romeo and Juliet is authentic and yet condemned. Moreover, the
political motive behind Friar Lawrence's approval of Romeo and Juliet's
marriage highlights that in the Shakespearean era, marriage was seen as a means
to ensure political strength.
Ideological Divide between the Young and the
Old
The ideological divide between the younger and the older
generation is also a repetitive theme underlying the play. The impulsivity and
youthful exuberance of Romeo, Juliet, Mercutio, and Paris serve as a strong
contrast to calculating, the political foresight of Lord Capulet, Lord
Montague, and Friar Lawrence. The tragedy of the play is in the fact that both
the older and younger generations are unwilling to compromise and end the
disagreement for good. They are not willing to resolve their pointless
dispute.
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