In addition, we - as the audience - are clearly made aware of the opposing themes from the very beginning. This is made clear when Shakespeare contrasts the words “life” and “death” in the prologue. By doing this, the dramatist immediately foretells the idea of fatality and so warns the reader in advance. The idea of life also presents the audience with the concept of existence and thus questioning the ideas behind life. Already, the readers become prepared for the oppositions that are forecast to be saturated within the play. Also, the playwright puts forth the idea of oppositions by executing the words “love” and “rage”. Having employed the word “love”, Shakespeare makes the audience aware of the affection and devotion which will be peppered throughout the play. In contrast, the word “rage” inflicts the idea that wherever there is love in the play there will be ferocity and anger to follow. Also, the fact that during the play the families “strife” will be “buried” connotes the idea that the deaths will heal the wounds in both families caused by their hatred and will end their discord. The “f” sound in the word “strife” appears as a monotonous sound an puts forth the concept of the families unstinting and unwavering battle against each other. The fact that the audience are not aware of why the families severely dislike each other gives the impression that brawlers have been contesting against each other for so long they are no longer are aware of why they contend. Having done this, Shakespeare enforces his repent for violence and fighting.
Likewise, it is obvious that in the final couplet of the prologue Shakespeare reaches the audience on a personal level, therefore creating a bridge between him and the viewers. Here the playwright uses a rhyming couplet symbolising the idea of togetherness, this is important as it highlights the couplets of opposing themes but more significantly the couplet that is Romeo and Juliet. The repetitive use of the “s” sound in this couplet both soothes and calms the reader in preparation for the play. The word “mend” underlines the fact that both families want to restore the peace in Verona and by doing so hope to heal the injuries that both sides of the fight have incurred. The positioning of this word is also highly significant, the fact that it is positioned at the very end of the prologue implies that all of the labour and drudgery of the hostility will come to a sudden and dramatic conclusion at the end of the play. Also, by executing the word “toil” we are made aware of repetitive collisions and feuding of the two opposing sides.
It is apparent that in Act one, Scene one Shakespeare makes the friction between the two families, Capulets and Montagues, clearly evident. This is unearthed when Sampson relates the Montague’s to “Dog[s]” and refers to himself as a “tyrant”. The word “dog” reveals to the audience that the Capulet’s see the Montague’s as being animalistic and therefore of a lower class. This would have been very significant as during the 16th century as social class and the hierarchy was of great importance, therefore by doing this to the Montagues, Shakespeare makes a bold statement when downgrading the Montagues. Also, having introduced the audience to the conflict that lies between the two families early in the play, Shakespeare forebodes the hostility in the play. Furthermore, having used the word “tyrant” the playwright tells us of the persecutions and oppression that is to come in the play. In addition to this, the callous “t” sound that features at the beginning and end of the word tyrant put forth the idea that cruelty will run from the beginning up until the end. This pivotal idea is of great importance as it expresses the imperative ideas of power and patriarchy of which will have key input into the plot.
Also, the playwright puts forth the idea of discord between the two rival families, by utilising humour. We know this when Shakespeare repeats the phrase “bite my thumb”. Also, the Capulet’s Sampson and Gregory and Montague Abram refer to each other as “sir”. The gesture of biting ones thumb in the 16th and 17th century was very rude and therefore we are made aware of the division between the Capulet’s and Montague’s. Having done this, Shakespeare also makes us aware of the themes harmony and discord as the aggression reflects the idea of discord in the play. Furthermore, when the two opposing sides refer to each other as “sir” we are made aware of the mockery and disdain that tarnishes the relationship between the households. The audience of an Elizabethan theatre would find the repetition and sarcasm of the word “sir” humorous. Thus, engaging the audience on another level and creating a relationship between the audience and the performance.
Furthermore, it is apparent that in Act one, Scene one the audience are made aware of similarities between the characters Benvolio and the Prince. This is unearthed when Benvolio tells the so called “fools” to “Put up thy sword[s]” and attempts to “keep the peace.” Also, the Prince refers to those fighting as “enemies to peace” and tells them that their “lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace.” Having utilised the word “fools”, Shakespeare tells the reader that he personally has a negative outlook on violence and brutality. Moreover, the fact that Benvolio says “put up thy sword[s]” tells us that he is an ally and a friend of peace. The “sword[s]” couls also been seen as a metaphor, representing the relationship between the two families. From this we learn that Benvolio wishes to end the ferocity by burying the strife and Benvolio himself doesn’t wish to be associated with the conflict. The fact that Benvolio strives to “keep the peace” puts forth the idea that he is peacekeeper and that he somewhat of a diplomatic and passive character. In relation to Benvolio, the Princes attitude towards violence is very similar. The fact that the Prince quotes the phrase “enemies to peace” suggests that he is also a partner of peace and that he is trying to prevent the fighting and feuding. More importantly, having employed the quote “lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace” the audience are forewarned of the death that is to come in the play. Having used the effect of dramatic irony here, Shakespeare opposes the idea of life and death.
It is apparent that in Act one, Scene one the Prince is seen as a symbol of peace and tranquillity and is trying to end the rage that separates the two families. This is clear when he refers to the quarrellers as “rebellious subjects” and relates the issues between the families as being a “fire”. The fact that both families are “rebellious” implies that they are both in the wrong and are both defying the Prince. The fact that the playwright relates the families’ relationship to fire is very powerful and important. It expresses the idea that, like fire, the families’ strife is blazing out of control to the point where it begins to destroy lives. It also guarantees that the feud will come with a price that will affect both sides of the arguments. Because fire itself is such an unpredictable and incontrollable element, we are made aware of the volatile and capricious events that are likely to irregularly happen at points in the play.
Additionally, Benvolio can also be seen as peacemaker and negotiator. We know this when Benvolio tells Sampson and Gregory to that they “know not what [they] do” and attempts to “part these men”. The fact that they “know not what [they] do” suggests that the families are not yet aware of the consequences to their disagreement and the impact of the dispute will be severe. Also the fact that Benvolio is trying to “par”t the men suggests that he wishes to do the same with the families themselves in order to break up the warfare and aggression that constantly pushes both families to breaking point. The reaction to both characters is very important, in a way the audience itself is on the same side as Benvolio and the Prince. This is incredibly significant as the audience too want to end the family’s feud. Thus the audience become part of the play itself, which links to Elizabethan theatre where the audience would often communicate with actors on stage. Moreover, the fact that monosyllabic words are used her suggests the monotony and repetitiveness of the battling and hatred. This implies that the people of Verona including the Prince are tired of the ongoing fiaghting and wish for peace
It is apparent that in Act One, Scene Five Tybalt’s character is highly important and Shakespeare uses this character to give important messages about the play. This is unearthed when Tybalt relates Romeo to a “slave” and a “villain”, also he says it would be an “honour” to “strike him dead”. The fact that Romeo is a “slave” produces many ideas of what he is a slave to. One is that he is a “slave” to Tybalt and that Tybalt himself or more importantly the Capulet’s are the superior family. Another idea is that Romeo is a “slave” to love and is not in control of his emotion and feelings at this point. The fact that he is a slave implies that he will never be able to escape love and he will always be governed by it. Like slaves, Romeo is expected to come to his death because of what he slaves over, this is very important as the matter he slaves over is love. Moreover, Tybalt then refers to Romeo as a “villain”, this puts forth the concept that he may be a desperado. However, this counters the ideas previously put forth about Romeo being a timid and solitary character in Act One, Scene One. More importantly the “honour” that supports Tybalt’s reason for striking Romeo puts forth the message that he would be respected for killing a Montague. We are made aware at this point that Tybalt is the polar opposite to Benvolio. This is highly important as it links to the idea of oppositions. Also we perceive the Capulet’s in general to be the more violent family because of our perceptions of Tybalt in contrast to Benvolio. Benvolio, who is Tybalt’s antithesis, portrays the Montague family as being in a way more peaceful than the Capulet’s. It is likely than in Elizabethan theatre Tybalt would have an aggressive stance on stage and would be a hostile character on stage. The audience would react with this character and would develop a dislike for him during this scene.
It is also apparent that in Act Three, Scene One Romeo contributes to the idea of disorder in the play. We know this because at the beginning of this scene we see Romeo as a peaceful and tranquil character, however he then progresses in to a different light and a new part of Romeo’s character is unveiled. This is highlighted when Romeo quotes himself as being “fortune’s fool” and he also refers to the day being ridden with “black fate”. The fact that Romeo is “fortune’s fool” is very important here, this is because it suggests that at this point in the play destiny itself is against him. This contradicts the idea of Romeo and Juliet being “star-crossed lovers”. The quote also hints towards Romeos death, making this a very powerful moment in the play. The signifier “black” used in this scene further enhances the idea that Romeos end is near thus creating a tense moment in the play for the audience. The idea that Romeo’s fate is black implies that no matter what happens his life will pay the cost. Furthermore, the position of this scene is also very significant in terms of oppositions in the play. This is because it is the scene directly before Romeo and Juliet become married, which emphasises the opposition between the harmony in the previous scene with the violence and disorder that conceals Act Three, Scene One.
Indeed, it is clear that in Act Two, Scene Two the playwright utilises light and dark imagery to show the oppositions in the play itself. This is apparent when Juliet is compared to the “sun”, however soon after Romeo brings forth the idea of “night” and “stars”. The fact that Romeo relates Juliet to the sun implies that Romeo is unable to survive without Juliet’s love; moreover it reveals that in the short time he has loved Juliet he has blossomed and grew into another person. Similarly, it could also imply that Romeo needs love to survive and the moment he stop receiving it he will gradually fall to his death. The idea of night links to the idea of secrecy and how the two lovers are trying to hide their love from their families. Their love is therefore masked with the darkness of night putting forth the idea of pure love as they do not intend to exploit their love publicly. The word “stars” reinforces the idea of the couple being “star-crossed lovers” and the fact that destiny itself forces them together. The whole idea of light and dark imagery in this scene is highly significant as is again produces ideas of contrasts in the play.
Furthermore, it is clearly obvious that Romeo and Juliet’s love is both spiritual and honest in comparison to Romeo’s ‘love’ for Rosaline, which is unrequited and could be seen as courtly love. We learn this when Romeo refers to his lover as a “bright Angel” and a “saint” unlike Rosaline whereby Romeo becomes a “choking gall” and is struck by “cupid’s arrow”. The fact that Juliet is a “bright angel” implies that she shines out from all other women in Romeo’s eyes and is unlike any one he has ever experienced. Also Juliet is given an angelic and pure identity here having been related to an angel. Furthermore, Romeos appreciation of Juliet is highlighted when a capital letter is employed on the word “Angel”, this is fundamental as word could be seen as representation of all Juliet’s qualities and key features combined. The word “saint” is also of high significance as it tells how Romeo worships Juliet as if she was a goddess and thus treats her with the upmost respect and admiration. On the other hand, the fact that Romeo is “choking” when he thinks of Rosaline suggests that his love for her is painful which links to one of the ideas behind courtly love. Also another link to courtly love is that love is constant, evidence of this is when Romeo is hit with “Cupid’s arrow”. The fact that this has happened to Romeo puts him in an unstable position as he loves Rosaline however the idea behind cupids arrow is that if one is struck by it one falls in love with the next woman that person sees and therefore Romeo could comes across Juliet who he then falls in love with. This shows Romeos confusion at this current time and he features another idea of courtly love that being love sick.
Also, there is no doubt that both Capulet’s and Montague’s have different views on love. The Montague’s view on love is focused on physical appearances; this is made clear in Act Two, Scene One when Mercutio makes reference to “Venus” and “Cupid”, the gods of love. He also makes reference to the physical aspects of a woman with things such as “scarlet lip” and “quivering thigh”. By making reference to the gods of love, Mercutio exploits the lustful outlook on love that is given by the Montague’s. Romeo is part of this lust for women until he meets Juliet whereby he has a more gentle and harmonious outlook on women. The signifier “scarlet” also emphasises the Montagues, more importantly Mercutios, dark desires and hunger for love. The imagery of the “quivering thigh” induces the idea of lust and more importantly Mercutio having a patriarchal look on women. This is key as it reveals the more sinister and mysterious side to the love emitted by the Montagues
On the other hand, the Capulets outlook on love is more about practicality and the fact that Old Capulet intends Juliet to marry a wealthy and prosperous man to ensure to survival of the family name. This is unearthed when Capulet reveals that he will “drag thee”. Here Capulet forces Juliet to marry Paris however she says that by doing so Capulet will “not make [her] a joyful bride”. In this Scene love is almost cast aside and replaced with practicality and convenience making Romeo’s love for Paris false and simulated. The word “joyful” exploits how Paris feels both jubilant and ecstatic about marrying, however this is contrasted with Juliet’s frustration and delusion. The fact that Old Capulet threatens to “drag” Juliet’s to the church expresses the violence that lies within each families not just between the two opposing sides.
Moreover, the friar’s view on love is mainly focused on quelling the family’s feud. Throughout Friar Laurence’s speech Shakespeare’s utilises the structure of Iambic pentameter to show the order and stability of his decision. Here we again see the use of oppositions as the disorder of the families’ feud differs from the order of the Friars state of mind. The Friar make many references to Spiritual love in his speech, many of references are religious and saintly. The Friars perception of love could also be seen as been somewhat fickle and indecisive; this is because he uses love to attempt to heal the wounds between the two families. Shakespeare employs words such as “holy” and “saint” to show how god himself wants the “star-crossed lovers” to be together. It is also evident that the Friar at some points questions Romeo’s love which is evident in the repetition of the question mark. Shakespeare presents the audience with all these views on love to give us one powerful message alone, that message being that love is not simple; it is in fact far from it. The many ideas and thoughts that surround love make it so complex few ever understand its true meaning. This immensely powerful message that Shakespeare creates in the play also collides with the family’s hatred to create the collision of oppositions that we know as “Romeo and Juliet”.
To finalise, there can be no dispute over the fact that Romeo and Juliet is a play which features conflict between themes and ideas which stand as stern foundations to raise the play itself above any other. Confronting themes such as order and disorder, love and hate but most importantly life and death, which help make to play such a complex and engaging subject. The appeal to an Elizabethan audience would have been celebrated, simply because of its engaging and heartfelt features. The play as a whole sums up Shakespeare’s life, as it features love, loss and at some points desperation.
Many question why this is the greatest love story of all time, the answer lies in its complex structure, its sensitive and emotional storyline, its sometimes unstable ideas but most importantly is ability to transform itself from a play into a relationship between the audience and the playwright himself. Even today, Shakespeare remains in society itself inspiring and capturing the imagination of the globe with his unrequited tale of two “star-crossed lovers”.
