Juliet's State of Mind in Shakespeare´s Romeo and Juliet

Juliet’s love and loyalty towards Romeo, and her developing character do not only play an important role in motivating her in speaking the lines that she does, but also in motivating her actions. Despite all the current events that have occurred; events that have affected her state of mind, Juliet decides to remain true and faithful to Romeo.
Juliet’s state of mind at this point in the play definitely revolves around this idea of light vs. dark – her fears and hopes. After hearing about the loss of her cousin, Tybalt, she faces the obstacle in which she is forced to choose which path to take. Friar Lawrence gives Juliet the opportunity to run away with Romeo, but in order to do so; she must leave behind her remaining loved ones. He proposes her with a small vial of ‘sleeping potion’ that will stop her heart and breath and make her appear dead to those around her for about forty hours – enough time for Romeo to come and rescue her. Despite the idea of leaving behind her family and past, Juliet has no struggle in deciding what to do, because she immediately and impulsively agrees to consume this strange vial. Although agreeing to do so, however, Juliet’s doubts and fears begin to overwhelm her as she grows more and more hysterical and terrified of the possible outcomes in following through with Friar Lawrence’s plan.
Juliet is alone in her chamber as she begins to weigh her options and struggles to be certain of what she must do in order to reunite with Romeo. As she contemplates, she only begins to grow more fearful of the possibilities and outcomes. Juliet’s fear of being “stifled in the vault,” where she will be surrounded by pitch darkness, contradicts her earlier desire of the night and its blackness (...

... middle of paper ...

... her hope and faith towards Romeo. Although aware the probability of her imminent death, she follows through with this plan because she is so infatuated with this sacred and holy aspect of love. Shakespeare’s use of imagery, illustrating the petrifying probabilities only emphasizes Juliet’s love for Romeo, because despite all of these possibilities, she takes the risk anyways. Juliet’s actions allow the audience to better understand Juliet’s undying hope and love for Romeo and their relationship, as well as her desperation for their unity, even if it means throwing everything else away.
Through Juliet’s love and loyalty and developing character, one is able to better understand why Juliet is so motivated to perform the actions and speak the lines that she did. Despite the consequence of her options, she follows through due to her increasing love for Romeo.