William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet For the purposes of this essay I shall be examining two different versions of Romeo and Juliet, one of which is set in the usual time period, directed by Franco Zefferelli, and the other is set in modern times, directed by Baz Luhrmann. The first scenes in which we see the main characters of Romeo and Juliet give us a fairly accurate idea of the type person they each are. Romeo retains his initial personality throughout the play, but Juliet's character appears to change fairly drastically after meeting and falling in love with Romeo. In the Zefferelli version we first see Romeo immediately after the conflict between the Capulet and the Montague walking towards the camera up a narrow street, staring at a bunch of flowers and with a melancholic expression on his face. He is clearly so absorbed into his own troubles that he has not even noticed the battle which has been going on in the streets. We soon find out that the cause of Romeos distress is that he is suffering from the unrequited love of a woman named Roseline. Fortunately for him however, he seems to fall out of 'love' just in time to meet Juliet at the Capulet party several scenes later. Romeo does seem to be somewhat of a pacifist though, unlike his family members. We learn this when he speaks of his disgust at the events which happened earlier that day, however he contradicts himself later in the play when he slays Tybalt for killing Mercutio. In the modern day version of the play, Romeo's solitude and confusion is portrayed much more clearly as he is seen alone, sitting by the seafront composing oxymoron's in his notebook, these oxymoron's are symbolic of his confusion over Roseline. Such as: "Misshapen chaos of well-seeming forms, Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health" But then he meets his cousin Benvolio and his mood changes almost instantly into a much more light hearted one. This suggests that his
Although they are the basis of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, these main characters are dull, undynamic, and do not specifically appeal to certain readers. Nurse could be considered as a more interesting character because she brings her wit, drama and insight into the plotline.
In all of the best works of literature, each of a writer's characters has a purpose whether the role is small or big. Even if it goes unnoticed, the small characters usually play a key role to the story's plot development. These minor characters also add depth to the story's world and also help in the development of the major characters' personality. In William Shakespeare's play The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, the minor characters of Friar Lawrence, the Nurse, and Tybalt are in many ways the most pivotal characters to the play's development.
wither in their pride/ Ere we may think her ripe to be a bride.” From
William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet At the beginning of the play Romeo and Juliet, Juliet is portrayed as
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would
is once again brought up by Romeo at the end of Act 1, scene 4 when he
two families. It was unjust of him to send Romeo away from Verona as a
His love for Rosaline is great but yet she can not say the same and
William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet "Many a morning hath he been there seen /With tears augmenting the
In the play, Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare reveals an underlying message that points to the contrasts between youth and age that are even apparent now today. The youth of society tend to question and then possibly disregard the rules that are important to their parents if they do not have good reason to believe in these rules. The rebellious actions of youth can eventually cause their own untimely destruction. We see today in the headlines many instances where teens have followed their own unguided course bringing about tragic results. Shakespeare shows us in his play how these factors contributed to the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.
The character in the play, Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare, that I think has the largest impact on the audience is probably the Friar. Although the Friar might not have that big of a role, he was the one with the plan that got Romeo and Juliet killed. Some people might say that it was Juliet’s fault because she was the one that was so desperate for a plan to get her and Romeo together, the Friar had no choice but to go along. But still, the Friar was the one that came up with a plan. That plan might not have worked for many reasons, but the Friar didn’t think ahead.
William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet I have been studying Romeo and Juliet in class and I have watched a production on television. Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet for an audience used to sixteenth century stage conventions, we must appreciate that these conventions are very different from our own. The Elizabethan theatre was very distinctive, when a play was performed thousands of people would pack inside the theatre, the rich would be able to pay for seats in the stand sheltered from the wind and rain, while the poor had to stand and brave the elements as the theatre had no roof.
forget,' and so we don't expect that by the next act Romeo will be out
The Webster's Dictionary defines "fate" as "Predetermined and inevitable necessity; that power which is thought to determine one's future, success or failure, etc." In William Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, his pair of star-crossed lovers (Juliet and Romeo) are fated to meet, fall in love, and take their lives. But does their predestined demise have an equally as important purpose? And, if so, should the Prince's final edict be carried out, and should any of those involved be punished?
Romeo & Juliet Romeo and Juliet is Shakespeare's most popular play. It is the most retold and reiterated since it deals with everyday aspects of life such as love, tragedy, and in particular, family. The roles of parents and "substitute" parents are important in this play. The biological parents of Romeo and Juliet are supposed to act as role models and guides for their children, but ironically, it is the substitute parents, Friar Laurence and the Nurse, who are only seemingly supportive of Romeo and Juliet. Unfortunately, neither the biological nor substitute parents could prevent the tragic ending.