What is love? Love is a deep affection or passion towards someone (The Oxford Dictionary). William Shakespeare is known for his infamous play, Romeo and Juliet. In the story, the two protagonists from opposed families, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, fall in love with one another. Many scenes and incidents happened in the story that involves love to not last for an infinite time. Initially, Romeo was deeply in love with Rosaline; however, his feelings has shifted towards Juliet, showing that one's love for someone can change over a period of time. Moreover, the relationship that Juliet had with the Nurse ended due to the comments that the Nurse made. Another example to illustrate impermanent love is when Romeo and Juliet die for each other, resulting in both their lives and relationship to end abruptly. The decision one makes in a relationship results in a certain outcome. In the case of Romeo and Juliet their decisions caused their love to not last forever.
There is an instant connection between fated lovers. For that reason, one can say that Romeo's love for Rosaline is not ever lasting. This is clear when Romeo says: "With Rosaline! My ghostly Father, no. I have forgot that name, and that name's woe" (Act 2, scene 3: 46-47). This quote states that Romeo used to be madly in love with Rosaline. However, he has completely forgotten about her as his heart goes out to Juliet. This quote is significant as it proves that Romeo has moved on from his first love. This statement demonstrates how Shakespeare characterizes love--to be momentary. Not only does Romeo's love for Rosaline reveal love to not be infinite but so do the following relationships.
Shakespeare continues to define love as something that is temporary, through the relationship that Juliet and the Nurse once had. The opinion that the Nurse held about whom Juliet should marry caused their relationship to fall apart. Juliet's disagreement causes her to state "My only