Romeo And Juliet
Shakespeare's Message in Romeo and Juliet
The two most powerful forces in human nature are love and hate. William Shakespeare is able to contradict these forces and tests them against each other in the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet must overcome the hate of their despiteful families to be with one another for they have fallen into a deep, passionate love. Although hate does a lot of damage and causes a lot of pain between these "star crossed lovers" and their families, love is proven to be stronger in the end. Shakespeare's overall message of the play Romeo and Juliet is that love -displayed thorough Romeo and Juliet- is stronger than the hate of their families and therefore, is able to conquer it.
For unknown reasons, the Montagues and Capulets are enemies and hate each other to a great extent. These two equals in wealth and social status are involved in numerous fights displaying their hatred for one another. A pointless fight in the streets of Verona is showed in the opening act and is broken up when the prince arrives. He seems to be fed up with the constant feuds between them declaring, "Rebellious subjects, enemies to peace
three civil brawls, bred to an airy word. By thee, Old Capulet, and Montague, have thrice disturbed the quiet of our streets
. Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace"(I, i, 86) When Romeo hears of the recent fight he wearily says, " Here's much to do with hate, but more with love"(I, i, 173). This statement means that the Capulets and Montagues love to fight each other, which is the reason for their constantly pointless fights. Another example of their hatred is when Tybalt spies Romeo at the party and says to Lord Capulet,"Uncle, this is a Montague, our foe, a villain
to strike him dead I hold it not a sin"(I, v, 65). This statement is also foreshadowing the climactic fight between Tybalt and Romeo, which leads to the death of Tybalt and the terrible banishment of Romeo....
Please login to view the full essay...