Comment on how Romeo and Juliet use language to communicate their feelings about love until Act II, scene ii of the play

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Comment on how Romeo and Juliet use language to communicate their feelings about love until Act II, scene ii of the play.

 

                  ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is the tragic story of two lovers separated by their feuding families. The origins of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ originate before Shakespeare and so the story has been made familiar to audiences and readers of previous generations. Many historians believe he got his inspiration from literature dating back to the sixteenth  century such as the poem by Arthur Brooke called ‘The Tragicall Historye Of Romeus and Iuliet’, written in 1562. Shakespeare adapted this story in order for it to appeal to the Elizabethan audience.

                  The male protagonist of the play is Romeo Montague. He is approximately seventeen or eighteen years old. Romeo is a stereotypical adolescent boy, who emotions are fickle and based on lust. He constantly spends time thinking about love and his desire to be in love. He is spurned by the lady he adores Rosaline. Romeo follows the conventions of ‘courtly love’ with diligence.

                  In contrast the female protagonist Juliet Capulet is of a younger age; barely into her teenage years. Juliet is the opposite to Romeo as she is not stereotypical. Juliet does not comprehend or desire marriage, which is unusual of a girl her age.

However, it is surprising Juliet breaches the rules of ‘courtly love’ by accepting the proposal of marriage as soon as Romeo enquired Juliet. Juliet also defies the convention by not marrying a man of her father’s choosing.

                  Despite the Capulets and Montagues long standing hatred for each other, fate coincidently brings Romeo and Juliet together.

                 The play ends with tragic consequences as a result from the families hatred. Romeo and Juliet both sacrifice themselves for the power of love. Shakespeare uses numerous dramatic devices and language techniques to explore and convey Romeo and Juliet’s emotions.

                   Act I, scene i takes place after a riot between the Montagues and Capulets. Despite the uproar Romeo decides to take no participation in this argument as he is so infatuated by his desire for Rosaline.

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                  Benvolio says “Good morrow, cousin”. Romeo replies “Is the day so young” indicating that he is so wrapped up in his own emotions that he is surprised it is still morning. This is typical of courtly love. Benvolio informs Romeo that it has only just struck the hour of nine. “Aye me! Sad hours seem long” Romeo personifies time to portray the grief he endures.

“Not having that, which, having, makes them short”

Romeo indicates that time passes quickly with Rosaline but time drags on without her.

Romeo ...

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