Juxtapositions In Romeo And Juliet

In literature, juxtapositions are useful devices for writers to portray their characters in the exact way they desire. Using juxtapositions help to provide a better perspective of the characters that are being portrayed. Not only will juxtapositions help the increase depth of knowledge to the audience about the characters, but it will create a sense of surprise. It will create a spark in the story that will increase the mystery and may advance a person's interest in the story. William Shakespeare uses many techniques in his play, Romeo and Juliet, to create a better chemistry between the audience and his characters. For instance; Romeo, Juliet, and Friar Laurence are three characters that Shakespeare indirectly characterizes through their

Shakespeare uses the words, actions, and thoughts of the characters to indirectly characterize them. Juliet is characterized as a girl who is passionate, yet the passion she feels makes her ignorant and reflects a level of immaturity. So when she comes to the dilemma of either marrying Paris or faking her death, she takes no time to think, but instead lets her ignorance and passionate immaturity carry her to calamity. Friar Lawrence is portrayed as a man who is uncommonly wise, yet whose morals can be suppressed to oversee reconciliation. Shown through juxtaposition he is conflicted between his good role model persona and bad role model morals. So when he is giving the choice to help the kids or follows his wise morals, he quickly conducts a plan that he believes will lead to prosperity and reconciliation, but in reality will have a grave fate. Romeo is illustrated as a boy who is extremely emotional and romantic who is constantly craving the love he desires. Through the actions of the characters, that are being portrayed, this love story will quickly turn into a tragic morality tale. All of these characters have good and bad qualities that are being compared all throughout the story. Yet without the direct characterization by Shakespeare through juxtapositions the feelings and actions that lead to the tragic death of both Romeo and Juliet would be unknown. Juxtapositions enables us to connect their feelings to their actions. The story of these two star-crossed lovers who believed they could not live without each other, would be confusing and lack common sense without seeing how they were torn between these desire for love and passion and their lack