Compare how Romeo is presented in Act I scene I and Act II scene II.

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                                Romeo&Juliet unit: Essay

change title to: compare how R is presented in Act I scene I and Act II scene II. 

In this essay I am going to compare the two scenes from the famous play, 'Romeo&Juliet' written by William Shakespeare. My essay question is to; compare how Romeo is presented in act 1 scene 1 alongside act  scene 2. I will ensure that I answer this question directly in my conclusion as well as discuss the contrast between the two scenes. I will also discuss the differences and similarities between the two scenes, in the main body of my essay.

The famous play 'Romeo&Juliet' is a drama of great tragedy. It is a story of the young 'star-crossed' lovers Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet.  They are young teenagers who fall deeply in love. However their families are bitter enemies, back from the ancient days where this grudge still carries on. Regardless of the feud, Romeo and Juliet marry in secret, by Friar Lawrence. Who believes that this marriage could be the answer to the end of this ancestral grudge of such hatred. They make every effort to conceal their actions, but with Tybalt – Juliet's cousin demanding to fight, Romeo sits back helplessly unable to explain to Tybalt why he cannot fight him. Mercutio now angry, frustrated and disappointed at Romeo, steps in to fight for Romeo. That battle only ends with with the death of Mercutio alongside a curse above the two households. Romeo now upset and angry, becomes reckless murdering Tybalt. Careless of his actions, only realises afterwards the warnings of Prince Escalus. Romeo thereafter is banished from the great land of Verona.

With Romeo's banishment, Capulet and Lady Capulet are organizing the supposed to be happy wedding of Juliet aside Paris, in order to hinder away the sorrow of Paris' death. Whilst the Capulet household is gleaming with excitement, after excitement Juliet is silently soaring in her distress. One day before her festive wedding, she drinks the sleeping potion that would fool all the people of Verona of her death. Juliet's nurse comes into her room, on the day of the weeding to discover Juliet has passed away. The Capulet household now is even more grievous with the deaths of two Capulets. Friar Lawrence was to send a letter to Romeo explaining the situation, however news of Juliet's death reaches him first.

With this news, no boundaries seem to keep Romeo away from his wife. He drives back into Verona careless of the warnings. Only to find Juliet in the church resting peacefully on her death bed. Romeo nestles beside her and drinks the poison  ending his life forever.  Problem strikes once again, as Juliet wakes up from her deep sleep, only to discover her husband has passed away. Juliet can't stand the thought of a life without Romeo, so she stabs her self to dead. The story ends in tragedy, just the way it started with the deaths of Romeo, Juliet, Tybalt and Mercutio.

Act 1 scene 1, is the scene in which Montague, Lady Montague, Benvolio and Romeo is present. This scene is the discussion of  of the two parents concerns, about Romeos erratic behaviour. As well as the conversation between the two cousin, about Romeo's so passionate love for Rosaline.  Rosaline, the women who made the decision to be a virgin for the rest of her life. This statement can be proved. For example Romeo states 'she'll not be hit with cupids arrow. She hath Dian's wit. And in strong proof of chastity well armed.' Shakespeare, here refers to Roman mythology. Mythology of the cupid and the virgin goddess Diana. Rosaline is compared to the goddess Diana, to substitute  the actions of Diana and how she can resist love. By Romeo comparing Rosaline to a goddess suggests her beauty, but also her power. She is powerful enough to break his heart.  She doesn't want a sexual relationship, so therefore Romeo feels rejected.

In act 1 scene 1, Romeo is presented in various ways. I will be mentioning some of these many ways that Romeo is presented. Firstly Shakespeare presents Romeo as an immature individual, driven very much by his passion. His so-called love for Rosaline reveals the immaturity within. For instance Romeo states, 'Tut I have lost myself' and claims he is not here. His exaggeration not only reflects his almost deluded believe in love, but also his self destructive nature. This is then further emphasised by Romeo's attempt to try and describe his feelings for Rosaline. For example Romeo implies his feelings as ' cold fire, sick health, still waking sleep.' these consecutive oxymoron's demonstrate Romeo's clichéd view of love, which is clearly an exaggeration of love itself.

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Not only now is Romeo presented as immature, but also has a clichéd view of love towards his audience.  All thanks to Rosaline. For example Romeo states; 'O brawling love, O loving hate, O anything of nothing first create!' These consecutive use of oxymoron's not only prevails once again Romeos immaturity but also his clichéd view of love. The oxymoron's have been used so many times that it loses it purpose and meaning. Thereafter the effect of this makes Romeo, sound childish as well as hyperbolic. Most importantly, it presents Romeo as a drama queen over exaggerating ...

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