Here's much to do with hate, but more with love'

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'Here's much to do with hate, but more with love'

To what extent do you feel that 'Romeo and Juliet' is a play about love or hate?

In 'Romeo and Juliet', Shakespeare shows how the themes of love and hate exist paradoxically; without love hate would not exist. Shakespeare's play 'Romeo and Juliet' highlights how love can influence anger and violence. The Capulet's and Montague's are two authoritative families, in Verona. Each family cares for themselves, and hate the opposing family, this hatred has become the foundation of the vicious feud between the families.

The love Capulet has for his daughter, Juliet, in the beginning of the play, fuels his hate for Juliet when Juliet disobeys him and will not get married to Paris. Is it love for Juliet that fuels the hate or does he not want to be seen as a weak parent in Verona's society? During the 16th century, men were the predominant sex, and consequently in control of other family members, especially women. But, when Juliet defies Capulet she is portrayed as a strong feminist character.

Romeo and Juliet's romantic love separates them from the rest of Verona's violent society.