Hatre Hatred In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

A four letter word that holds responsibility for the death of millions; hate. The spark for violence and numerous wars, this word will leave mass destruction in it’s wake. Love, another four letter word that causes controversy. It mends the wounds that hate leaves and fixes the damage. The difference between the two emotions are drastic, but Shakespeare explores the idea that they are similar. Romeo is a Montague, and Juliet a Capulet; neither are born with hate, but both learn it. The couple learn to love, but the deception and misunderstandings lead to catastrophic endings. The relationship that they manifest displays the way they are taught to love, and how hatred interrupts these relationships. In Romeo and Juliet, hatred ironically reinforces the central theme of love.

The hatred between the Montagues and Capulets is due to selfishness. The selfishness drives certain family members to make rash decisions which lead to good or bad outcomes. However, in this quest to prove themselves superior, both sides suffer fatalities and loss. Romeo is sad because Rosaline will not love him back. In an attempt to relieve his sorrow, he attends a Capulet party where he meets Juliet. Upon meeting Juliet, the relationship starts. “Is she a Capulet?/ O dear account! My life is my foe’s debt”(1.5.119-120). Romeo realizes that there are others far more fair than Rosaline, and that he should not pursue fake love. He realizes that it is better to love than be selfish and hateful. Romeo learns to love Juliet and to sacrifice everything for her. The hatred that is pent up inside him releases as he focuses on serving others and not just himself. Romeo’s hatred leads him to realize that being loving and caring works better than being