The Character Of Romeo Montague in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

2922 Words6 Pages

The Character Of Romeo Montague in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet Romeo is one of the main characters in Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet” and is portrayed as a tragic figure, who is guided by his destiny. Shakespeare initially introduces Romeo to be a romantic sentimentalist, who is over-obsessed with his own emotions. Romeo, however, loses these personality traits towards the end of the play, and becomes more mature after falling deeply in love with Juliet. His love for her is strong and over-whelming, and Shakespeare vividly represents this by dramatic visual moments throughout the play, culminating in the tragic climax of Romeo’s suicide, to join with his Juliet in death. Shakespeare introduces the audience to Romeo, a son of Lord Montague, whos House is involved in an ancient feud with the House of Capulet. Briefly, Romeo divulges to his friend Benvolio that he has a profound and absorbing love for Rosaline, but his love is unrequited. Shakespeare writes Romeo various oxymoron’s, “Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire”, to show Romeo’s ability to use elaborate language and to express his poetic nature. Romeo talks about the brawl that had previously taken place between the two families, and knows that love and hate are closely related to each other. The audience would witness Romeo’s self-centredness and concern for his own feelings, through the comparisons he makes. Taking these comparisons literally as imagery, we can see Romeo comparing himself to Rosaline; being completely different to each other. Shakespeare also conveys Romeo’s weakness with love, as further on in the play, he rapidly diverts his desi... ... middle of paper ... ...obsessed. He suffers badly from depression and can be easily despondent and downcast when events dictate. Towards the end of the play however, Shakespeare shows Romeo regaining his maturity, which has been shown fleetingly before, when he becomes determined and looses his foppish manner. His passion and regard for Juliet holds no boundaries and he is ready and willing to commit suicide so that they can be together in death. Romeo never looses his love for Juliet even when circumstances become intolerable. From a callow youth, Romeo changes into a strong-minded brave young man, sincere and genuinely concerned for Juliet’s welfare. When all is lost and Juliet appears dead, Shakespeare exhibits Romeo’s passion and wish to be with her always, which helps him to end his life, in the knowledge that they will never be parted.

Open Document