In the tragic play, Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare explores love and how it is a powerful human emotion that will not only lead to great happiness but may also lead to great sorrow. The two 'star-cross'd lovers', Romeo and Juliet, are propelled into a world of joy when they meet each other for the first time, as it is love at first sight. This love is not only seen as a cure to Romeo's sadness but the Friar sees it as a possible solution to the long lasting feud between the Capulets and Montagues. It turns out the Friar was right in how it would resolve the conflict, but he didn't know take into consideration that death may also be the price of such great love.
Happiness was a product of the love between Romeo and Juliet. Prior to the Capulet's party, Romeo is depicted as a melancholy character.
His sadness is due to his unrequited love towards Rosaline. Romeo claims that 'griefs of mine own lie heavy in my breast', referring to Rosaline who 'refuses to be hit by Cupid's arrow'. It is only when he sees Juliet, 'I ne'er saw true beauty till this night', does he truly fall in love. The intensity of the love is highlighted when Juliet asks for Romeo to be married to her, 'Three words, dear Romeo, and good night indeed. If that thy bent of love be honourable, thy purpose marriage, send me word tomorrow.' The difference between Romeo's mood is exemplified by his 'soul of lead' before meeting Juliet compared to his cheerfulness afterwards in which he states 'my business was great'. The explosive love between the dual protagonists resulted in happiness for Romeo and Juliet.