In scenes one and two of Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare, love is presented in ways that are at opposite ends of the spectrum. It is capable of both causing problems and bringing happiness. On one hand, the play presents the force as something problematic that can cause disappointment. While Romeo and Juliet are in love from the moment they lay eyes on each other, their family’s opinions are contradictory. Romeo is a Montague, and Juliet is a Capulet; Montagues and Capulets hate each other. Because of this, loving each other seems like something they should avoid. This puts the two lovers in compromising positions because they do not want to betray their families, nor do they want to give up the deep passion they have for each other. …show more content…
At the beginning of the play, Romeo is seen as a very sad and hopeless character because of his unreciprocated love for Rosaline. He describes his view of love while talking to Mercutio when he says, “Is love a tender thing? It is too rough/ Too rude, too boist’rous, and it pricks like a thorn” (Shakespeare I.4.25-26). Clearly, Romeo sees love as something bad and hurtful at this point in the play, but his idea quickly changes as soon as he lays eyes on Juliet. His spirits are suddenly lifted, and he is filled with happiness, the opposite of what he felt before. All the hopelessness he previously had is eradicated, and he is determined to be with Juliet. The deep attraction between the two is so powerful that they are willing to give up everything. When Juliet tells Romeo that there is a chance that he will be killed, he responds, “Alack, there lies more peril in thine eye/ Than twenty of their swords. Look thou but sweet/ And I am proof against their enmity” (Shakespeare II.2.76-78). Romeo would rather have the love of Juliet than die without it. This means that their love must be truly magnificent for him to feel this way. Love is so great that it is worth dying