Maddie Luedtke
Ms. Miller
English 9
7 May 2013
Power of Love
Love is the driving force that makes the world go round; people long for it, live for it, and sometimes, may kill for it. Romeo and Juliet is a story about the undeniable power of love. William Shakespeare uses several ways to show themes of love in the play, especially in the characters different attitudes. It is evident that actions and attitudes toward love have changed since the time of Shakespeare. The ideas of love have changed over time, but the distinct meanings have not. Romeo and Juliet understand the meaning of love and demonstrate it through passion, personal attachment, and the love of friendship.
The passion that Romeo and Juliet demonstrated overpowers all they believe in. Even when Romeo and Juliet realize they have fallen in love with their sworn enemy, they don't let anything or anyone come in between them.
They even think about denying their fathers and refusing their name if it means they could be together. Juliet feels distraught, but she loves him so much that she is willing to die rather than be forsworn. The couple is so fueled by the rush of their love, they can't think of anything other than being with each other; it's as if love has blinded them. In fact, Juliet's love is so strong for Romeo that it destroys her better judgment. While courting in the Capulet's Orchard, Romeo tells Juliet, "With love's light wings did I o'erperch these walls; / For stony limits cannot hold love out, / And what love can do, that dares love attempt; / Therefore thy kinsmen are no let to me" (2.2.66-69). This shows how sincere and deeply in love he is; he doesn't care if the guards catch him...