Romeo And Juliet Paradox Essay

The playwright in Romeo and Juliet uses paradox, specifically a love-hate dynamic throughout the play, to create tension and conflict, which adds depth and complexity to the story and gives it the ability to compel the reader. The way paradox is used is essential to the reader’s cathartic experience because the audience can see the characters in their full glory and understand their situation, this allows us as readers to understand them on a deeper level. The emotional attachment that the readers develop towards the characters in Romeo and Juliet leads to catharsis, this happens only when their emotions are released. Shakespeare, or rather the unknown author, uses paradoxical statements to create conflicting emotions in his characters, which

Juliet’s statement, “My only love sprung from my only hate! Too early seen unknown, and known too late!” (RK 1.5.136-137), is a perfect example of this. The paradoxical nature of this statement can create a sense of irony because their love is supposed to bring an end to the feud, yet in contrast, it was born from the very thing that cause it in the first place. This line greatly highlights Juliet’s internal conflict and her intense emotions toward Romeo. The paradox also creates a deeper connection with the readers in the sense that they may have experienced conflicting emotions in their own lives. Shakespeare’s use of paradox in Romeo and Juliet adds depth to the play and makes it more a inclusive experience for the audience. Furthermore, Juliet’s statement not only creates a sense of irony but also skims over the themes of fate versus free will. Juliet’s love for Romeo was predetermined by the feud between their families, yet it is seen through the play that her love was genuine. The paradoxical statement

Romeo’s statement, “Oh, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night like a rich jewel in an Ethip’s ear,” (RJ 2.2.42-44), is a perfect example of this. The comparison between the beauty of Juliet and the darkness and light creates a sense of tension within the scene, in whole highlighting the ferocious love that Romeo has for Juliet. This statement shows how Romeo is willing to put everything at risk when it comes to his affection for his love. It also creates a sense of conflict within the character, skimming over the internal struggle between his love for Juliet and his loyalty to his family. The use of paradox throughout Romeo and Juliet reinforces the idea that love and hate are two sides of the same coin. The ongoing squabble between the Capulets and Montagues is fueled by hate, yet Romeo and Juliet’s love is born from it. This also creates a sense of tension and irony within the play, since from the start, we as readers already have come to know that fact that their love is doomed. The contradictory statements made by these characters highlight this tension and make the play more engaging for the reader. It also adds a layer of complexity to the characters, making them more than just two-dimensional love interests. The use of paradox in Romeo and Juliet creates a more immersive and emotional experience for the reader,