Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction
2. Development and adoption of the love between the protagonists
2.1. Love at first sight
2.2. Further themes of the play
2.2.1. violence, fight and hate
2.2.2. Sex and humor
3. The 'setting' as an element of the play
3.1. Setting: the location
3.2. Setting: the weather
4. Language elements: contrasts and metaphors
5. The action of the play
6. The Character of Romeo - his relation to love
7. The Character of Juliet - her development towards an adulthood love
8. Conclusion
9. Bibliography
1. Introduction
'Romeo and Juliet' is thought to have been written in 1595 or 1596. The story of the two famous lovers was adapted by Shakespeare but it is his version that is known to old and young the world over. It is a tragic story of forbidden love; the whole episode of Romeo and Juliet's meeting, falling in love, marriage, and tragic end, takes place within five days. This work will analyze the love between the two protagonists Romeo and Juliet and will give an insight into the development of the love between the two world-famous lovers. Furthermore, main topics and themes will be described and the language of the play should be explored (special features such as metaphors, names and contrasts).
2. Development and adoption of the love between the protagonists
2.1. Love at first sight
Love at first sight is a widely debated notion. Some say that true love based on physical appearance without a deeper understanding of a person does not exist. Others argue that one may be able to recognize true love immediately. Shakespeare devotes part of the play to this question. He makes reference to Romeo and Juliet as star-crossed lovers'. In other words, the two lovers are thwarted by destiny from the very beginning. Although not meant to be together, they may still truly love each other. Romeo first sees Juliet during her parents' banquet. His reaction