Themes for Romeo and Juliet
FATE - There are forces in life over which people have no control.
• Shakespeare portrays Romeo and Juliet as "star-crossed lovers," doomed by fate to a tragic end.
• Bad luck and unfortunate coincidences abound: (1) Of all the people the illiterate Capulet servant could have asked to read the invitation list in Act I, scene 2, he chooses Benvolio, Mercutio, and Romeo; (2) Of all the hotties at the Capulet party, Romeo spots Juliet first; (3) It just so happens that the County Paris decides he wants to marry Juliet the same day Romeo meets her; (4) Friar John is detained and unable to deliver an important letter to Romeo in Mantua; (5) If Romeo would have waited one more minute, Juliet would have awaken and the two could have fled together.
• Bad choices and stupid decisions rule the day: (1) The two marry too quickly; (2) Romeo chooses to attend the enemy's party; (3) Friar Lawrence gives some of the worst advice in the history of Literature; (3) Friar Lawrence abandons Juliet in the tomb; (4) They both choose to take their own lives.
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SECRECY - Even well-intended deceptions and secrets can be destructive.
REVENGE - Revenge can destroy both avenger and victim.
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT - At times, young people have more passion than wisdom, while older people forget the power of love.
Love
Romeo and Juliet are two of the most famous lovers in history, but some people doubt that their historic love lives up to its reputation. Romeo starts the play infatuated with Rosaline, a gorgeous girl with no interest in him. His "true-love-at-first-sight" encounter with Juliet seems like it could be just another case of puppy love. The two lovers come from warring families, but their love overcomes their families' hatred. Their whirlwind romance, however, ends in tragedy when each thinks the other is dead and chooses to commit suicide rather than live alone. While Romeo and Juliet never doubt the power of love, other characters criticize love and reject is as simply
• Shakespeare portrays Romeo and Juliet as "star-crossed lovers," doomed by fate to a tragic end.
• Bad luck and unfortunate coincidences abound: (1) Of all the people the illiterate Capulet servant could have asked to read the invitation list in Act I, scene 2, he chooses Benvolio, Mercutio, and Romeo; (2) Of all the hotties at the Capulet party, Romeo spots Juliet first; (3) It just so happens that the County Paris decides he wants to marry Juliet the same day Romeo meets her; (4) Friar John is detained and unable to deliver an important letter to Romeo in Mantua; (5) If Romeo would have waited one more minute, Juliet would have awaken and the two could have fled together.
• Bad choices and stupid decisions rule the day: (1) The two marry too quickly; (2) Romeo chooses to attend the enemy's party; (3) Friar Lawrence gives some of the worst advice in the history of Literature; (3) Friar Lawrence abandons Juliet in the tomb; (4) They both choose to take their own lives.
•
SECRECY - Even well-intended deceptions and secrets can be destructive.
REVENGE - Revenge can destroy both avenger and victim.
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT - At times, young people have more passion than wisdom, while older people forget the power of love.
Love
Romeo and Juliet are two of the most famous lovers in history, but some people doubt that their historic love lives up to its reputation. Romeo starts the play infatuated with Rosaline, a gorgeous girl with no interest in him. His "true-love-at-first-sight" encounter with Juliet seems like it could be just another case of puppy love. The two lovers come from warring families, but their love overcomes their families' hatred. Their whirlwind romance, however, ends in tragedy when each thinks the other is dead and chooses to commit suicide rather than live alone. While Romeo and Juliet never doubt the power of love, other characters criticize love and reject is as simply