How does Shakespeare illustrate the nature and power of the love between her and Romeo? Pay particular attention to the character of Juliet; to the language she and Romeo use in relation to each other; to events leading to their deaths.
Romeo and Juliet is one of Britain’s most famous, and widely known stories from William Shakespeare. It is said to have been wrote in 1595 due to the style of writing – this story is based upon two young lovers who spawn from rival families. They are completely devoted to each other and will do anything to be together. In this essay I will write about and analyse the play, I will comment on the imagery created by Romeo and Juliet, the language used between the young lovers and relate to the events and actions which finally lead Romeo and Juliet to their deaths.
Romeo and Juliet meet at a ball, Romeo sees Juliet through the midst of the other various guests. In I V 41-50, we read about how Romeo describes Juliet. He compares her to a ‘…rich jewel in Ethiop’s ear,’ and in ‘O she doth teach the torches…’. From these two quotes we can see how Romeo believe that Juliet can outshine the torches this is one of the first contrasts we see between light and dark, it is also a simile comparing Juliet to a sparkling diamond which shines above all else. After this encounter, the plays next key scene with Romeo and Juliet is the famous orchard scene IIII. Juliet is at the window as her ‘…eye discourses’, meaning she is looking around. We again then see that she is compared with light to contrast her beauty in line 19, ‘The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars,’ It even says that the birds would be singing because they thinks it’s morning as Juliet is lighting up the area so brightly. We see once again how Romeo describes her in complete awe, ‘As is a winged messenger of heaven,’ here he is comparing her to an angle, who are considered to be extremely beautiful and sacred – one of the most important and high things of the world. This scene is actually very ironic due to the fact that they are both in the same area talking and comparing each other without actually realising they are both there until later on in the scene. We again see Romeo comparing Juliet to those things that are very powerful such as the sun and the stars, ‘The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars.’ We are able to see the passionate love and adoration of Romeo towards Juliet, however we also know that Juliet is willing to give up her family name and her family life if only Romeo would agree to marry her, ‘…or I thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, and I’ll no longer be a Capulet.’ This quote shows us how committed Juliet is willing to be, she feels that Romeo is her life and that she is willing to give up anything and everything if he was to feel the same way about her. What we must remind ourselves is that this passionate love, in both sensual and sexual desire is that of two very young lovers who feel that their whole world is revolved around their relationship; never before have they ever felt something like this and the emphasis on the passion between the two is highly great and a tremendous feature which Shakespeare has portrayed.
