Romeo And Juliet Mentality Essay

The romantic tragedy written by William Shakespeare, known as The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, pursues the story of the two lovers and their complicated relationship. However, it cannot truly be considered a romance. Romeo and Juliet’s immature mentalities result in their fascination with their secret relationship and eventually make them obsess over one another.
Romeo, an immature 16-year-old, finds Juliet alluring because he enjoys the notion of secrecy, risk, and beauty in their relationship. Just like Rosaline, Juliet’s beauty captivates Romeo. He even seeks her out on the balcony of his enemy’s home. When he finds her, he overhears Juliet speaking to herself and says, “[Aside] Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at this?” (Shakespeare,

Romeo comes out of hiding only when he gets excited by hearing Juliet’s secret thoughts. Instead of revealing himself immediately and informing Juliet of his presence, Romeo hides discreetly in curiosity and exhilaration. When Romeo exposes himself, his obsession with Juliet compels him to climb her home’s walls and propose, although they met only hours ago. Romeo later runs away because Juliet’s nurse arrives. Although Romeo could have approached Juliet in a more forthright and typical way, he decides to run and hide because of the intrigue and excitement. Romeo's desire is not limited to this instance. When Romeo first sees Rosaline, he thinks he is in love with her because he is in awe of her beauty. Although Romeo tries to win Rosaline over with gifts, she refuses since she wishes to remain chaste. When Romeo first sees Juliet, her beauty also catches his eye, even more so than Rosaline's. Later he declares, “Did my heart love till now? forswear it, sight! For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night,” (Shakespeare, 13) when he sees Juliet. Romeo woos Juliet in the play while hiding their relationship with the world, displaying how he sees love as a game in which he can choose how and with whom to play it. When

Juliet’s parents only view her as an object to sell off through marriage. Even in this scene, Lady Capulet expresses, “That book in many’s eyes doth share the glory, That in gold clasps locks in the golden story; So shall you share all that he doth possess, By having him, making yourself no less,” (Shakespeare, 11). Juliet conveys her dislike for being married off and used for social status and wealth, hence she finds the idea of marrying Paris unappealing. When Juliet discovers the captivating opportunity to choose her love, she becomes obsessed with Romeo to the point where she believes she cannot live without him. Even then, she hides her love for Romeo away, since the two lovers give each other thrill from the covertness of their relationship. Juliet’s obsession with their relationship did not end there. When Juliet’s beloved cousin, Tybalt dies, and Romeo gets banished, Juliet has much to say. She grieves that, “Tybalt is dead, and Romeo—banished”; That “banished,” that one word “banished,” Hath slain ten thousand Tybalts,” (Shakespeare, 28). Juliet mourns the loss of Tybalt, portraying his value to her. His death should resonate higher within her, but instead, she laments not being able to see Romeo because she devotes her life to him. This