Compare and contrast the Lovers experience in 1.5 and 2.2, drawing attention to their changing feelings, key aspects of the language they use, as also to several selected themes and contexts

In both Scenes the feelings of love they share towards each other are demonstrated in different ways. “It is my lady, O it is my love.” The love initially in the first scene is more light hearted and flirtatious and although they both love each other neither is willing to make a move while when they meet again in Scene 2 Juliet proposes to Romeo casting the impression of a more serious and established tone. The language used is still very much about love and contains many metaphors such as “O speak again, bright angel, for thou art.” This ties in with the fact that religious imagery and meanings still play a very much important feature throughout the scene. It also might show that they are true to their word and that their love is strong and pure and everlasting just like the idea of God and divine purity. The idea of ‘angel’ and ‘god of my idolatry and the repetition of religious words show that the lovers’ lives are very much involved with religion and God. Some key religious imagery is the idea of being re-baptized. Romeo often referred to Rosaline as the moon and now that he has met Juliet he begins to describe Juliet as the sun. This perhaps shows a change in feelings and emotions and that he has stepped out of the darkness where he was lost with lust for Rosaline and now he is on the right path with loving Juliet. Some other similarities are the themes used. The theme of fate is re-occurring with the idea of stars and planets. “The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars.” The theme of love which is throughout the play is strong in this scene with Juliet proposing to Romeo about marriage.

In Act 2 Scene 2 Juliet seems to have matured from the timid and naïve girl portrayed in Scene 5. “I have no joy of this contract tonight; it is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden.” This is an example of irony but more importantly shows Juliet’s more adolescent character. In the balcony scene she leads Romeo and is clearly in control of the conversation. “O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” The feelings of love initially experienced before seem to have developed and are much deeper now. “Thy purpose marriage, send me word tomorrow.” This is an example of how Juliet has matured and even mastered the courage to propose to Romeo which would seem unusual for a girl of Juliet’s age. In a single conversation, Juliet transforms from a timid young girl to one more mature, who understands what she desires and is quick-witted enough to procure it. She begins to ask more questions and is curious about Romeo. “Art thou not Romeo, and a Montague?” This is different from their first meeting as before she let Romeo kiss her without reacting but in the balcony scene Juliet holds back and teases Romeo. “O wilt thou leave me so unsatisfied.” Juliet knows she is in control of the conversation and compares Romeo to a falcon that keeps coming back for more. “O for a falc’ner’s voice.” Although appearing to sound more adolescent and matured Romeo refers to Juliet as “My niësse?” This would suggest Romeo still feels she is young and youthful. The use of increasing metaphors and imagery make this scene different from before. “That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet.” Juliet compares Romeo to a rose which expresses her deep feelings of love towards him, meaning that even if Romeo is a Montague she is still happy for them to marry and live together. It shows that their love is real and heartfelt. The two lovers use these techniques to express their love for each other in a more mature and understanding way. “Arise, fair sun.” Romeo compares Juliet to the sun which normally is bright and represents happiness which may suggest their love for each other. “And kill the envious moon.” With Juliet as his lover Romeo feels as if there is no night and everything is going well for him. He is implying that Juliet transforms night into day and that with Juliet there is happiness. This links in with the theme of light and darkness. Good and evil. It could also be a representation of their two families or an insight into later on in the play when they both die because of the fact that the sun and moon are never out together and therefore Romeo and Juliet will never be able to live together.

On the whole the evidence from Scene 5 and Act 2 Scene 2 give the insight of a deeper more understanding relationship between Romeo and Juliet. The use of more metaphors and imagery suggest stronger feelings towards each other while the characteristics Juliet demonstrates in Scene 2 indicates a better more in depth understanding of love. The proposal of marriage also implies a long lasting relationship. The themes of fate and religion show that they are destined to be together while their relationship and emotions for each other can only be expressed and compared to the divine God. The repeated powerful religious imagery and the blasphemy shown by Juliet and Romeo suggest that their relationship is genuine and their love for each other is everlasting.