Comparing Romeo And Juliet

Love is a concept not understood even by the greatest of philosophers. Every lyric, line, melody has some interconnection to the concept of love. Romeo and Juliet written by William Shakespeare is a timeless classic about two young lovers from rival families in Verona, Italy, who choose to die rather than live without each other. Shakespeare's portrayal of Romeo and Juliet's love is complex and multi-layered, showcasing different aspects of love such as passion, and sacrifice. Despite the similarities between the ways Romeo and Juliet showcase love, they also have their own distinct differences making Romeo and Juliet such an intricate story.

Romeo and Juliet fall deeply and intensely into love despite being a part of rival families. Passion

Romeo is more expressive and susceptible to his emotions in contrast to Juliet who takes a more cautious and logical approach towards love. Romeo is deeply heartbroken due to his previous lover, Rosaline. He starts to lament and mope to his friends about his depressive thoughts and feelings. He refers to his feelings in an oxymoronic way when he says: "Why then, O brawling love, O loving hate,” (I.i.181). This conveys confusion and frustration towards his relationship with Rosaline. His friend Benvolio, also comments on his lamentation of Rosaline. He advises Romeo to examine other beauties to which he responds with, “What doth her beauty serve but as a note Where I may read who pass'd that passing fair (I.i. 244-245)”. As soon as he meets Juliet, his feelings for Rosaline dissipate, forgetting about her all together. Romeo shows emotional vulnerability and his inclinations to make impulsive and rash decisions. In contrast to Juliet, who is much more precautious and logical about the steps she takes in the story. She acknowledges the extreme speed at which her relationship with Romeo moves. She contemplates, "It is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden”(II.ii.125). Juliet demonstrates her high level of logic and precaution as she recognizes the potential consequences rushing into a relationship creates. Both Romeo and Juliet have different ways of showing their love to one another, one being through expression and the other through