Examples Of Human Nature In Romeo And Juliet

Romeo and Juliet is one of the most famous love stories ever written. Although it was written and set somewhere in the 1500s, there are many ideas portrayed throughout the play that still remain relevant in today’s time. These ideas from Shakespeare include those about love, life, family, and the faults of human nature. They are seen scattered throughout the story in the complex relationships between characters. With his incorporation of strong emotions, social status, and conflict in Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare's thoughts on flawed human nature and how it hinders love, are clearly showcased.
Emotions are a common aspect of human nature that can cloud our thoughts and cause unexpected things to happen. One of the biggest emotions portrayed

This plays a big role in Romeo and Juliet, and especially in Juliet’s life. For example, Lady Capulet is pushing for Juliet to marry the Count Paris because it would be a sense of security for the Capulet name and their social status. She says, “Speak briefly, can you like of Paris’ love?” Juliet, eager for her parents' approval at this point, replies, “I’ll look to like, if looking liking move; But no more deep will I endart mine eye than your consent gives strength to make it fly” (Shakespeare 1.3.96-99). In this scene, Juliet’s parents want her to marry Paris because it would establish their legacy and set Juliet up for a comfortable living where their societal class and lifestyle is maintained, even after they’re gone. Juliet is not particularly excited or pleased with the idea of marrying Paris, but she wants nothing more than to keep her parents happy. So, she agrees to try and make it work with Paris even though it isn’t what she truly wants. The importance of social class is additionally seen when Juliet is having an argument with her father over her wedding to Paris and says, “Good father, I beseech you on my knees, hear me with patience but to speak a word.” Enraged, Lord Capulet responds, “Hang thee, young baggage! Disobedient wretch! I tell thee what– get thee to church a’ Thursday or never after look me in the face”

This is portrayed especially well when the prince says, “Where be these enemies? Capulet, Montague, see what a scourge is laid upon your hate, that heaven finds to kill your joys with love” (5.3.291-295). In this quote, the prince is talking to the Capulets and Montagues. He explains how all of their fighting and conflict has led to this moment and that the feud between families is a main reason that Romeo and Juliet are dead. It is only after finding out their children are dead, that the two families start to heal the hate that has circulated between them for years, but not before it was too late for Romeo and Juliet. Another example of conflict becoming problematic is after Tybalt kills Mercutio. Romeo is upset at the death of best friend so he chases Tybalt down and kills him for what he sees as avenging Mercutio. In the aftermath, Lady Capulet is demanding justice and says to the prince, “Romeo slew Tybalt, Romeo must not live.” To which the Prince responds, “Romeo slew him, he slew Mercutio; who now the price of his dear blood doth owe?... for that offense immediately we do exile him hence” (3.1.178-184). Lady Capulet is fuming at the fact that her nephew is dead and suggests that the prince should have Romeo killed. The prince, being more rational, says that it wouldn’t be fair because Tybalt killed Mercutio first. Instead, he suggests exiling Romeo.