Examples Of Passion In Romeo And Juliet

Passion can be defined as a strong and scarcely controlled emotion that can be interpreted by a thing arousing enthusiasm and often prompting impulsive decisions. Passion in William Shakespeare’s famous work, Romeo and Juliet is an interchanging relationship between love, hate, and desire, leading to both tragic and triumphant ends towards the end of the play. It fueled the two families’ animosity towards each other which was later resolved, but at the cost of many loved ones. The play is filled with many instances of strong emotions that are often countered by forces of rationality. The dominant theme of Romeo and Juliet is the couple’s passion and love for each other. After falling in love at first sight for Juliet, Romeo came forth below

Shakespeare exemplified this when he wrote, “From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, /Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes/ A pair of star-crossed lovers take their life” (The Prologue, 3-6). Passion is the main driving force of the families’ hate and is the reason for the many conflicts throughout the play. It is evident that the “ancient grudge” of the Capulets and Montagues led to bloodshed and chaos, and Shakespeare implemented these lines early on in the book in order to foreshadow the ultimate consequences of their feud. Another illustration of passionate hate in the play is Tybalt, Romeo, and Mercutio’s fight scene on a hot day. In the beginning of the scene, Benvolio attempted to warn Mercutio by saying that the day is hot and it would be hard to escape a possible brawl if they meet a member of the Capulet family and that they should leave the streets (3.1. 2-3). Benvolio is the ultimate embodiment of rationality in this play and presented great sagacity in his judgments. Confronted by Tybalt and encouraged by Mercutio to fight, Romeo said, “To such a greeting. Villain am I none. Therefore farewell. I see thou knowest me not,” despite Romeo’s effort to diffuse the situation, Tybalt replied, “Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries/ That thou hast done me. Therefore turn and draw” (3.1. 65-68).

After Mercutio was slain in the fight by Tybalt, Romeo said angrily, “Now, Tybalt, take the “villain” back again/ That late thou gavest me, for Mercutio’s soul/ Is but a little way above our heads,/ Staying for thine to keep him company” (3.1. 130-133). Romeo’s desire for revenge is clearly shown in his state of anger. His thirst for revenge overtook his mind, temporarily impairing his judgment of the situation. Romeo did not consider the consequences of his action which eventually led to his banishment. Juliet expressed her strong desire to be together with Romeo when she went to ask for the Friar’s help. When the Friar tells Juliet that he can be of no help for her, Juliet responded, “If in thy wisdom thou canst give no help,/ Do thou but call my resolution wise,/ And with this knife I’ll help it presently” (4.1. 53-55). Juliet’s desire to be with Romeo is so strong she tried to kill herself with a knife. Her yearning for love overwhelmed her, causing her to form irrational resolutions by trying to commit suicide. Fortunately, Friar Lawrence stopped Juliet by saying that he will try to think of a remedy to help relieve her complications (4.1. 69-77). The Friar’s rationality stopped Juliet from killing herself, preventing yet another tragedy. In this instance, rationality is able to combat passionate and impulsive actions which solidified the idea that rationality acts as an