William Shakespeare’s tragedy of Romeo and Juliet consists of 2 prevailing themes of love and hate between the Capulets and Montagues. In Act I, in the very first scene, a very prominent example shows how their hate for one another is, and how it will turn out. “What, drawn, and talk of peace? I hate the word As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee.”
-Tybalt (I. i. 63)
After servants of the Capulet’s insult members of the Montague family, a fight erupts. Benvolio, of the house of Montague, tells them to put down their swords and tries to break up this fight. Tybalt, of the Capulets, now wants to fight Benvolio. With all of the fighting going on, Benvolio encourages everyone to stop. Tybalt does not want to and further fuels the fight.
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A plague o’ both your houses!
They have made worms’ meat of me. I have it, And soundly too. Your houses!”
-Mercutio (III. i. 98)
The second example that represents the play’s theme of hate takes place during the first scene of Act III. Romeo did not want to get into a fight with Tybalt, causing Mercutio to take his place. Tybalt and Mercutio battle, and this results in Mercutio’s death. As he knew he was dying, he cursed “A plague o’ both your houses!” Mercutio exclaims this seconds before he dies, because his injury was a result of yet another feud between the Capulets and Montagues. Their hatred for one another is so strong, that it ensued in death.
Though there are many examples of the hatred and war between both houses, the theme of love is also very present. Romeo and Juliet share many moments presented in the play that show how strong and unbreakable their love is for each other.
“O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night As a rich jewel in an Ethiope's ear — Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear. So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows,
As yonder lady o'er her fellows
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He comments on how radiant Julie’s beauty is, and how she reminds him of a rich jewel, being that her beauty is “too rich for use”. Juliet is so beautiful that her looks outdo any jewel out there. Romeo sees her as a light in the darkness, comparing her to a white dove flying among black crows, she is just so beautiful, that she stands out. Romeo is so taken back by Juliet, that he instantly falls in love, and follows Juliet so they can meet. This is just the very start of Romeo and Juliet’s relationship and growing love for one