Love is a recurring theme in the play created by William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet. The play takes place in Verona, Italy, during the 16th century. Two young lovers, Romeo and Juliet, are determined to be together, despite their families being rivals of each other. The influential emotion of love persuades them to take their lives in hopes of them finally being together. Romeo was influenced by love on various occasions, from wanting to marry Juliet after knowing her for one night, to eventually committing suicide for her. Love ultimately was Romeo’s hamartia and the influence that love had on Romeo fundamentally is what led Romeo to become the tragic hero of the story.
Romeo’s deadly character flaw in the play is love and his obsession with the emotion. He’s willing to do whatever it takes for Juliet to receive his love for her, even if that means making life-changing decisions. Shakespeare uses high modality in the lines spoken by Romeo: “Call me but love,
…show more content…
Romeo’s desperation for love is seen throughout the play. It’s first seen when he attends the Capulet’s party without an invitation because Rosaline, whom he was lovesick with, was on the guest list, to Romeo eventually committing suicide for Juliet after the assumption that she was dead. This is demonstrated in the lines “A dram of poison, such soon-speeding gear As will disperse itself through all the veins That the life-weary taker may fall dead,” (Act V, Scene I 62-64). Shakespeare’s use of a metaphor in these lines highlights Romeo’s impulsiveness and carelessness about the consequences of his actions. It also emphasizes that Romeo prioritizes Juliet, over himself, and how he is willing to poison himself if Juliet is not alive with him. Therefore, the character Romeo highlights how influential love can be and the desperation and obsession love causes. Love can not only be life altering, but life