Impetuosity In Romeo And Juliet

Romeo and Juliet depicts the tale of two young lovers fighting for a forbidden relationship and the consequences of their rash actions. In Friar Lawrence’s monologue, Shakespeare explores the impetuosity and contradicting nature of young love. These ideas are portrayed through the lover’s impulsive decisions and conflicting speech.

The impetuosity of young love is a recurring theme which is explored deeply in the play. Without considering the consequences of their hasty decision, Romeo and Juliet very quickly delve into a forbidden relationship. In his monologue, Friar Lawrence warns Romeo to “love moderately, long love doth so; too swift arrives as tardy as too low”. Love is personified as one who “too swift arrives” which is clearly evident

The immaturity of the characters often cause them be confused with their own beliefs. After being rejected by Rosaline, Romeo displays his turmoil and conflicting views on love through his use of oxymoronic language, “feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health”. Romeo’s behaviour was reinforces the paradox he believes to be love as although he was expressively lamenting his failed love, he also appeared to be enjoying his misery. Moreover, due to his youth, Romeo’s view on love has not fully matured thus, he is confused about his beliefs and his words oppose each other. Friar Lawrence enforces the idea that love is a combination of opposing ideas with paradoxes when he cautions Romeo that “these violent delights have violent ends…the sweetest honey is loathsome in his own deliciousness”. Whilst love can be blissful and sweet ultimately, it will end in misery. Shakespeare implies the idea that the best things in life eventually become overbearing and that the more they are enjoyed, the more they will be hated. The contradicting nature of young love in the play is the result of the immaturity of the young lovers and implies the idea that love is a