In William Shakespeare's classic tragedy Romeo and Juliet, the eponymous protagonists are doomed from the start, their eventual deaths predetermined by the inexorable forces of fate. The play makes use of a variety of thematic elements, from the transcendent power of love to the destructive force of hate and the fatalistic inevitability of destiny. While these grand themes are certainly present, the play's true power lies in its characters, who are complex, nuanced, and realistically flawed. Romeo, for instance, is a passionate, headstrong youth whose impulsiveness leads to a series of unfortunate events. Juliet, too, is a unique character, whose strength of resolve is ultimately tested by the tragedy that befalls her and Romeo. In this essay, we will explore how Romeo and Juliet's characters, as well as the play's underlying themes, are brought to life through the use of intricate and sophisticated language. …show more content…
These devices imbue the play with a sense of poetic beauty, allowing the reader to experience the characters' emotions on a more intimate level. Romeo's opening soliloquy, for example, is filled with beautiful metaphors and imagery, from his comparison of love to a winged messenger to his references to the sun and stars. This imagery further reinforces Romeo's passionate, love-struck nature, as he yearns for a romantic connection and laments the obstacles that stand in his