Did Shakespeare intend us to believe that the love between Romeo and Juliet was genuine?

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Hannah Voice

Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare

Did Shakespeare intend us to believe that the love between Romeo and Juliet was genuine?

Was Romeo and Juliet’s love, based on looks, rebellion and inexperience, or was it genuine? After studying this play, about two infatuated teenagers, who died for one another, we have decided to answer the question, ‘did Shakespeare intend us to believe that the love between Romeo and Juliet was real?’

        This tale, originated from as early as the second Christian era, by Xenophen of Ephesus. Various writers, including a man named Arthur Brooke, later elaborated this story. Brooke’s tale, The Tragical Historye of Romeus and Juliet, was a long narrative poem, the story of which took place over nine months. Shakespeare then wrote his version, the play, which took place over only four days. This shortness of time, intensified their love, which was Shakespeare’s intention.

The first thing that leads us to believe that their love was true, is actually known before Romeo and Juliet ever set eyes on each other. In Act 1, scene 1, Romeo is speaking with Benvolio, and he is ‘apparently’ in love with Rosaline. He thinks that he will never love another woman; that Rosaline is ‘the one’ for him. However, he knows that she does not return his love. What Shakespeare wanted us to notice in the beginning of the play, was the fact that Romeo was very different to the other young men in Verona. In the same scene, before Romeo had entered, Sampson and Gregory, two young Capulets, had been discussing women, and how they will strip their servants of their virginity.

        Sampson: I will be cruel with the maids: I will cut off their heads. (Act 1, scene 1, Lines: 20-21.)

        This is what Sampson said, which proves how different he is from Romeo. Romeo would never say anything like this, because it is not in his character; he believes that love is pure, and from the heart, which shows that he is mature for his age. He is so obsessed with Rosaline, and while talking to Benvolio, says,

        Romeo: Is the day so young? (Act 1, Scene 1, Line: 155.)

        Romeo’s hours pass like days when he is thinking and fantasizing about Rosaline. Love is supposed to be joyous, yet this is just filling Romeo’s heart with sadness. He is an intensely emotional person, and this is a rare quality in a man of his age. I think that Shakespeare wanted us to believe that Romeo was an individual in this play. He did not, ‘follow the crowds’, he made his own decisions, and whether they were right or wrong, he had done what he thought was best, not only for himself, but for everyone around him too. This is what makes Romeo so different. Shakespeare wanted us to know, that Romeo was the one who was most likely to find true happiness in his life; and although his life ended in tragedy, he was the one who had found his true love – his soul mate. This is the first reason, why Romeo and Juliet’s love was likely to have been genuine; because of the type of person that Romeo was.

        

Romeo: She is too fair, too wise, wisely fair. (Act 1, Scene 1, Line: 207.)

This shows just how deep his feelings for Rosaline lie. He cannot speak enough of her, and she is perfect, or so he thinks.

Having a peaceful character, we can see that Benvolio is a patient listener to Romeo and Mercutio, and a loyal, and caring friend. I believe that Shakespeare intended us to think, and I do think, that there is little development in Benvoilio’s character during this play. He basically stays the same – loyal, and ready to keep the peace.

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Mercutio is a friend to Romeo, but a very different friend than Benvolio. He was very different to Romeo, but still his best friend. Mercutio’s language, was full of sexual suggestion

Mercutio: An open arse and thou a poperin pear! (Act 2, Scene 1, Line: 38.)

This quote is full of sexual reference.

This line was addressed to Romeo, in the hope of brightening up his spirits. This line is not only an example of Mercutio's vulgarity, but also of his intelligence and wit.

The points that I have made above, about Benvolio, Mercutio and Sampson, are ...

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