Love Is Predominant in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet"

Essay by zephyraeJunior High, 9th gradeB-, June 2008

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Love is one of the main themes in Shakespeare's play, Romeo and Juliet. By using language techniques, Shakespeare presents the idea that love is predominant over themes such as hate, death and social class. Despite the many obstacles set in their way, Romeo and Juliet, and the love they portray, overcome them all.

In the play, Romeo and Juliet, hatred is a strong theme in Romeo and Juliet's society. The feud seems to symbolise hatred in that it has no definite beginning and is clearly the result of man's actions. It is because of the feud that the Capulets hate the Montagues, and vice versa. However, hate is defeated – by love.

Tybalt only speaks 36 lines, yet they all reflect anger and hatred. His personality also seems to mainly consist of a fierce hate. Because of this, it may be argued that his role in the play is as a personification of hate.

"I hate the word... hate tell, all Montagues, and thee." (Tybalt, Line 67 – 68, Act 1, Scene 1)Tybalt was killed by Romeo, who acted only through the love of his friend, Mercutio. Romeo, with his romantic nature, "in love with the idea of being in love", seems to personify love – and so love has defeated Tybalt, and his hatred.

Whereas, when alive, Tybalt is scolded by Capulet for being disruptive because of his hatred for Romeo, when he is dead, Nurse remembers the gentleman and dearest friend.

"You'll make a mutiny... set cock-a-hoop!" (Capulet, Lines 79 – 80, Act 1, Scene 5)"The best friend I had! ... honest gentleman!" (Nurse, Lines 61 – 62, Act 3, Scene 2)The play opens almost immediately with the feud between the Capulets and the Montagues, showing how deep the hatred runs between all the...