William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

872 Words2 Pages

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 youth of the society is quite different from the aged of society. Romeo and Juliet were brought up to despise other families because for centuries the Montagues and Capulets had been feuding. These two young people who found love at first sight could not find a problem with each other even though their parents felt that they were their enemies. They were able to cross the barrier of hate that was put before them all their life. This was a remarkable leap because it defied the traditional code of ethics handed down from generation to generation.

Romeo and Juliet’s parents would never even think of relating to an enemy of the family never the less falling in love with one. Juliet is caught by love that blinds her reason. She even goes as far as stating she will “…deny her name for only the name is an enemy not Romeo';. The older generation accepted traditional beliefs without question. This was their way of showing respect to their parents. On the other hand, Romeo and Juliet had the conviction and trust in themselves to formulate their ideas based on their own experience of love.

Throughout the play, Shakespeare purposely reveals an underlying theme that contrasts youth from age. The youth are the new radical generation who have revolutionized their traditional way of life. The youth overcome barriers and break traditional ideals. The youth of society can react at a much faster pace than people of older generations. Juliet, a young person, felt that the aged moved too slowly. Juliet exclaimed “The clock struck nine when I did send the nurse. / In half hour she promised to return… / But old folks, many feign as they were dead, / Unwiedly, slow, heavy, and pale as lead (pg.

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