“Is she a Capulet? O dear account! My life is my foe’s debt.”
Although Romeo has fallen in love with Juliet he knows it is not that simple in Verona. He realises that because they are from rival families their relationship would never be permitted. From the very beginning their relationships is said to be “star-cross’d” as their families have been mortal enemies. There is a major difference shown between Romeo's love for Rosaline and his love for Juliet. When he is "in love" with Rosaline, Romeo is depressed. But, when he sees Juliet, it is a whole different story. He suddenly experiences true love as he had never felt with Rosaline.
From the moment Romeo first sees Juliet their bond is very intense. When describing the love between Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare often uses poetic and romantic language:
“O she doth teach the torches to burn bright!”
Romeo compares Juliet to a candle’s light and says that she is incredibly beautiful. Shakespeare’s use of this “love at first sight” scenario emphasises that the young lovers have and instant and deep connection. This emphasises the strength of their devotion to each other.
In the balcony scene, although Romeo and Juliet have only known each other for a short while, their love is very intense. Shakespeare uses various images to convey this:
“Two of the fairest stars...do entreat her eyes”
Juliet’s eyes are being compared to twinkling stars which shows how much Romeo loves her. Romeo believes Juliet to be the most beautiful woman he has ever seen and this image conveys this. This symbolises their strong love for each other. Later on we see that Romeo is overcome by his love for Juliet and he even risks his life to see her.
When a fight starts to form in the street Romeo makes it clear that he is not interested in fighting:
“Tybalt, the reason I have to love thee
Doth much excuse the appertaining rage”
Even though the idea of being loyal to your own family is prominent throughout the play, Romeo is willing to forget the family feud and “love” his enemies for Juliet’s sake. This is important as is shows their commitment to each other. They are both willing to forget a centuries old family feud that shapes their whole life in order to be committed to each other and this is clearly a strength. Even when Juliet finds out that Romeo has killed her cousin, although she is upset and distraught, she is willing to forgive him as her devotion to him is so strong.
Another aspect which shapes Romeo and Juliet's relationship is the feud. The feud is the main weakness throughout the play and it has great impact on the community in Verona. When a fight breaks out in the street it is clear where the citizens loyalties are:
“The quarrel is between our masters and us their men”
In Verona, everyone is forced to take sides even the employees. It is clear from this why Romeo and Juliet’s relationship would be a problem as the feud has such a strong grip on society that there is no way of them being together other than in secret.
Another scene in which the power of the feud comes through is when everyone is discussing what must be the consequence of Romeo’s actions:
“Romeo slew Tybalt. Romeo must not live”
Lady Capulet’s harsh words are conveying how the feud makes everyone stand their ground and the idea of forgive and forget is not even considered. The feud is the reason for Romeo and Juliet’s poor relationship as their families are so hostile towards each other. The feud causes the division in their community and the separation of the two families. In the end, it is only after the death of both Romeo and Juliet, a huge sacrifice, that their families reconcile and agree to live in peace.
Romeo and Juliet’s relationship is one that is powerful yet it is always plagued by the feud of their families. Shakespeare’s use of imagery and symbolism to convey their relationship is highly powerful and only intensifies the bond between them.
by
aryaaruhotmailcom (student)
