Examples Of Heroism In Romeo And Juliet

Love is often known as an intense deep feeling of affection, something that can be a comforting and happy feeling to people. Love can also appear as something heroic as making big sacrifices for one another. Romeo and Juliet are deeply in love, however they know their families will never accept them because of their enemy backgrounds. They continue to be with each other and find ways to be with each other throwing their families’ differences aside. Their love drives them both to go through things and do very crazy things for each other in heroic ways. Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare uses characterization, conflict, and setting to prove love and heroism throughout the story.

Characterization is demonstrated throughout the story and shows where

Tybalt was insulting Romeo and saying some very rude things to him. Instead of Romeo sticking up for himself and fighting back, he decided to stand back and not do anything. That is when Mercutio took Romeo’s place and stood up for his friend, showing a result of conflict. Mercutio has had enough of Tybalt's insulting words, so instead of sitting back and watching, Mercutio stands up for Romeo. The text, “O calm, dishonorable, vile submission! ‘Alla stoccata’ carries it away. [Draws] Tybalt, you rat-catcher, will you walk?” (shakespeare.3.1.70) shows Mercutio is willing to add to the conflict and protect his friend. Mercutio stepped in and stood up for his friend resulting in his death. The death was caused because of his protection for Romeo. This shows true heroism because Mercutio was heroic for standing up for his friend. Only a true friend and hero would volunteer their life for their friend. Friar Lawrence sees Romeo and Juliet are very much in love and agrees to marry them despite the conflict between the two families. “Come, come with me, and we will make short work, for by your leaves, you shall not stay alone Till Holy Church incorporate two in one.” (shakespeare.2.6.35). The text shows Friar Lawrence is willing to marry Romeo and Juliet. This proves Friar Lawrence has not only made two people very happy, but has also solved part of a conflict

Once again, the heroic Friar Lawrence is helping Romeo and Juliet achieve their dream, by proposing the idea of faking her own death. Friar Lawrence uses imagery to describe the scene of the place where she will be temporarily buried. Friar Lawrence talks Juliet through the process and tells her where she will be buried. “Thou shall be borne to that same ancient vault Where all the kindred of Capulets like” (shakespeare.4.1.111). Juliet agrees to this because she doesn’t want to marry the man her parents want her to be with. Juliet is desperate and feels completely hopeless because of the marriage her parents are forcing her into. On top of that, Juliet is no longer allowed to see or visit Romeo. Friar Lawrence proves his heroism by helping Juliet out when she needs it the most by proposing a solution, which is a drink that will stop her heart temporarily. This also shows the lengths Juliet is willing to go to be with Romeo. Even though Juliet was scared the plan would not work and about the fact that she could possibly die, she still went through with it to be with Romeo. This makes Juliet heroic because she went through with the scary plan for Romeo, and Friar Lawrence is heroic because he helped Juliet escape the planned marriage. After Romeo and Juliet meet each other and find themselves in love, they realize they can’t see each other because their families don’t get along. However,