Romeo and Juliet Research Paper
Prof.
English
May
The True Hero:
The Superior Character in Romeo and Juliet The play of Romeo and Juliet is different from William Shakespeare’s other tragedies in that there is not a clear distinction of individual heroes. The two protagonists are more passive than active; both are naïve and lacking understanding. The hero is often thought to be the romantic, yet often hysterical, Romeo. But Romeo’s immoral background, emotional outbursts, mishap murders, and foolish actions make him a poor candidate for a hero. Juliet proves to be more innocent than Romeo because she possesses more rigorous moral ethics. Juliet is also more successful in overcoming the obstacles that she is faced with throughout the play. While both characters are not without faults, there is more understanding towards Juliet’s regrettable actions than that of Romeo’s. Through these concepts, the character of Juliet is seen to be the superior character and the true heroine in Romeo and Juliet. Before her first meeting with Romeo, Juliet is seen to be an innocent, young woman who is in a sheltered state; she exists in the care of her parent’s and nurse. When asked by her mother if she can love Paris, Juliet replies, “I’ll look to like, if looking liking more; / But no more deep will I endart mine eye / Than your consent gives strength to make me fly” (1.3.98-100). It is surmised that there are few large decisions that she is able to make without the consent of her parent’s whom she desires to please. Juliet’s innocence is further demonstrated as thoughts of love and lust appear to be completely absent in Juliet’s mind. Her innocence towards sexuality, being only thirteen years of age, is not uncommon; however, she is pronounced by her mother to be old enough for marriage: “Well, think of marriage now; younger than you, / Here in Verona, ladies of esteem, / Are made already mothers…” (1.4.70-72). Juliet says of marriage, “It is an honour that I dream not of” (1.4.67). Although her
English
May
The True Hero:
The Superior Character in Romeo and Juliet The play of Romeo and Juliet is different from William Shakespeare’s other tragedies in that there is not a clear distinction of individual heroes. The two protagonists are more passive than active; both are naïve and lacking understanding. The hero is often thought to be the romantic, yet often hysterical, Romeo. But Romeo’s immoral background, emotional outbursts, mishap murders, and foolish actions make him a poor candidate for a hero. Juliet proves to be more innocent than Romeo because she possesses more rigorous moral ethics. Juliet is also more successful in overcoming the obstacles that she is faced with throughout the play. While both characters are not without faults, there is more understanding towards Juliet’s regrettable actions than that of Romeo’s. Through these concepts, the character of Juliet is seen to be the superior character and the true heroine in Romeo and Juliet. Before her first meeting with Romeo, Juliet is seen to be an innocent, young woman who is in a sheltered state; she exists in the care of her parent’s and nurse. When asked by her mother if she can love Paris, Juliet replies, “I’ll look to like, if looking liking more; / But no more deep will I endart mine eye / Than your consent gives strength to make me fly” (1.3.98-100). It is surmised that there are few large decisions that she is able to make without the consent of her parent’s whom she desires to please. Juliet’s innocence is further demonstrated as thoughts of love and lust appear to be completely absent in Juliet’s mind. Her innocence towards sexuality, being only thirteen years of age, is not uncommon; however, she is pronounced by her mother to be old enough for marriage: “Well, think of marriage now; younger than you, / Here in Verona, ladies of esteem, / Are made already mothers…” (1.4.70-72). Juliet says of marriage, “It is an honour that I dream not of” (1.4.67). Although her
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