Representation Of Love In Romeo And Juliet

In Shakespeare's acclaimed romantic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, the death of the two main characters can be attributed to two things. Their love for each other, and the social expectations of their time.

The tragic death of the two lovers Romeo and Juliet could be the fault of their love for one another. While most people in the play believe in a marriage that is profitable to one's social status, Juliet and Romeo's feelings for each other do not follow this distinction: “For both [the Nurse and Lady Capulet] in Juliet’s life, what matters most is a socially advantageous marriage…”(Dupler 1). Yet their love is one that transcends the orthodox realms of society and goes against what is socially appropriate. Even Friar Lawrence makes this distinction when he speaks of the difference between loving and doting. This is the difference between Romeo's feelings for Rosaline and
While Verona may have been very different from Shakespeare's England, the theme of a patriarchal society is very prevalent throughout the play. This force holds much influence over the entire kingdom of Verona. It is obligatory for daughters to obey their fathers, and women hold very little power. For example, when Juliet refuses to marry Paris, her father replies, "Hang thee young baggage! Disobedient wretch!" (Shakespeare 133) and threatens to throw her out on the street. This shows how much power men and fathers hold in this society, and is the reason that Juliet feels so trapped in her situation. She rebels against the social constraints of her time, and for the first time in her life, makes her own decisions. Stuck in this catch-22, she saw no way out but to seek Friar Lawrence's help and go through with his plan. When she sees Romeo dead, she once more has her back against the wall in that she can either kill herself to be with Romeo, or live without