Romeo and Juliet Essay
Mrs. Pellecchia
ENG 1DE/1
March 25th, 2013
Romeo and Juliet Essay
John Wooden once said “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” Have you ever wondered what it is like just to be judged by someone based on the reputation that they have been given? Well, Romeo Montague who is the only son of Lord and Lady Montague, also who is also the main protagonist throughout the play, is presented to strangers based only on his reputation that has been given to him. Romeo’s reputation is one that is presented as a good child who is a portly gentleman as the town of Verona brags about him to be a well governed youth. During the play, Romeo’s personality develops through the actions of his three foils, Tybalt, Mercutio and Friar Laurence, making him the man he is at the end of the play. Throughout the play, the developing rash and hasty personality of Romeo is crafted by the foils contrasting characteristics.
The aggressive side of Romeo is conveyed by the hot-tempered and fiery personality of Tybalt Capulet. Tybalt Capulet is a character that is very selfish and always goes around looking for a reason to pickup a fight because he is trying to build his reputation of being a skilled swordsman. While Romeo doesn’t go around looking for fights, he is equally skilled at fighting and only fights when he absolutely needs to. Tybalt is also very arrogant whereas Romeo is very emotional and idealistic. Originally, Romeo wasn’t pleased with Tybalt’s presence but he did warm up to him after his marriage to Juliet and did not accept the challenge at first. However, Romeo fought with Tybalt to avenge Mercutio’s death. Benvolio: Here comes the furious Tybalt back again. Romeo: Alive, in triumph! And Mercutio slain… Now, Tybalt take the villain back again… Either thou, or I, or both, must go with him. Tybalt: Thou, wretched boy, that didn’t consort
ENG 1DE/1
March 25th, 2013
Romeo and Juliet Essay
John Wooden once said “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” Have you ever wondered what it is like just to be judged by someone based on the reputation that they have been given? Well, Romeo Montague who is the only son of Lord and Lady Montague, also who is also the main protagonist throughout the play, is presented to strangers based only on his reputation that has been given to him. Romeo’s reputation is one that is presented as a good child who is a portly gentleman as the town of Verona brags about him to be a well governed youth. During the play, Romeo’s personality develops through the actions of his three foils, Tybalt, Mercutio and Friar Laurence, making him the man he is at the end of the play. Throughout the play, the developing rash and hasty personality of Romeo is crafted by the foils contrasting characteristics.
The aggressive side of Romeo is conveyed by the hot-tempered and fiery personality of Tybalt Capulet. Tybalt Capulet is a character that is very selfish and always goes around looking for a reason to pickup a fight because he is trying to build his reputation of being a skilled swordsman. While Romeo doesn’t go around looking for fights, he is equally skilled at fighting and only fights when he absolutely needs to. Tybalt is also very arrogant whereas Romeo is very emotional and idealistic. Originally, Romeo wasn’t pleased with Tybalt’s presence but he did warm up to him after his marriage to Juliet and did not accept the challenge at first. However, Romeo fought with Tybalt to avenge Mercutio’s death. Benvolio: Here comes the furious Tybalt back again. Romeo: Alive, in triumph! And Mercutio slain… Now, Tybalt take the villain back again… Either thou, or I, or both, must go with him. Tybalt: Thou, wretched boy, that didn’t consort