Romeo and Juliet Essay
In the early stages of Romeo and Juliet, the Montague parents send Benvolio to discern the cause of Romeo’s melancholy. They intervene in his relationship, but in this case it has no long-lasting effects. During Romeo’s relationship with Juliet, adults again intervene; sadly, though, in this case the effects are deeply felt and much more pernicious. Adult figures deter Romeo and Juliet’s relationship.
The authoritative adults make decisions for Romeo and Juliet that contradict the interests of the lovers; their constant intervention continually pulls Romeo and Juliet apart. For instance, the Prince declares: “Immediately we do exile him hence. I have an interest in your hate’s proceeding” (3.1.186-187). The prince’s interest is to break up the malicious hatred of the Montagues and Capulets for the good of his kingdom, understandably so. Yet, in another sense, by dictating “hate’s proceeding,” the Prince drives the wedge of family hatred between Romeo and Juliet. His mandate of Romeo’s exile physically separates Romeo and Juliet. Additionally, the Capulet parents arrange a marriage for Juliet. This blatantly opposes the intention of a happy marriage between Romeo and Juliet. More importantly, this arranged marriage drives Juliet to thoughts of suicide; Juliet laments to her mother, “Delay this marriage for a month, a week, Or if you do not, make the bridal bed In that dim monument where Tybalt lies” (3.5.201-203). As death is the final factor that separates Romeo and Juliet and the arranged marriage is the stimulus for suicide contemplation, the Capulets’ decree of Juliet’s future marriage indirectly leads to the final separation of the lovers. Apart from the adults’ decisions, even the perception of adult opposition harms Romeo and Juliet’s relationship. During their first night, Romeo says to Juliet that “Therefore thy kinsmen are no stop to me,” to which she responds that “If they see thee, they will murder thee” (2.2.69-70). Even though the
The authoritative adults make decisions for Romeo and Juliet that contradict the interests of the lovers; their constant intervention continually pulls Romeo and Juliet apart. For instance, the Prince declares: “Immediately we do exile him hence. I have an interest in your hate’s proceeding” (3.1.186-187). The prince’s interest is to break up the malicious hatred of the Montagues and Capulets for the good of his kingdom, understandably so. Yet, in another sense, by dictating “hate’s proceeding,” the Prince drives the wedge of family hatred between Romeo and Juliet. His mandate of Romeo’s exile physically separates Romeo and Juliet. Additionally, the Capulet parents arrange a marriage for Juliet. This blatantly opposes the intention of a happy marriage between Romeo and Juliet. More importantly, this arranged marriage drives Juliet to thoughts of suicide; Juliet laments to her mother, “Delay this marriage for a month, a week, Or if you do not, make the bridal bed In that dim monument where Tybalt lies” (3.5.201-203). As death is the final factor that separates Romeo and Juliet and the arranged marriage is the stimulus for suicide contemplation, the Capulets’ decree of Juliet’s future marriage indirectly leads to the final separation of the lovers. Apart from the adults’ decisions, even the perception of adult opposition harms Romeo and Juliet’s relationship. During their first night, Romeo says to Juliet that “Therefore thy kinsmen are no stop to me,” to which she responds that “If they see thee, they will murder thee” (2.2.69-70). Even though the