Contrast Between Youth and Age in Romeo and Juliet Essay Example

Romeo and Juliet depicts many themes throughout the story, one theme being the contrast between youth and age. Romeo illustrates the careless youth, while Lord Capulet demonstrates the power of age. The opinions between the two characters alter due to the maturity. Romeo is a vulnerable and passionate soul driven by the influence of love. A young spirited boy that proves some rules can grow corrupt and unnecessary. Lord Capulet is a traditional and respected member of the family. He is a rule follower and exhibits that sticking to the old manor will lead to great success. The two’s counteracting views cause conflict within the plot and disallows Romeo to express his true feelings. 

Ultimately, Romeo's youth leads him to disagree with the clash between the Montagues and the Capulets. The youthful character Romeo embodies traits such as vulnerability and passion. In act 1 scene 5, Romeo discovers a new found passion for Juliet. He attends a party that he is banished from. “The measure done, I'll watch her place of stand / And, touching hers, make blessèd my rude hand. / Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight, / For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night” (Rom. 1.5.49-52). Romeo presents an act of passion and vulnerability as he first sees Juliet at the party.  His love and passion for Juliet grows as he sees more of her. The youth of Romeo displays as he falls in love with his forbidden lover. Romeo is vulnerable to the feeling of love and feels that love is his true passion.

Lord Capulet is a character that shows his age throughout the play. Capulet's age leads him to have traditionalist views and behaves with great reason. He strongly dislikes the Montagues from their age-old dispute. Juliet is set up to marry Paris, a handsome individual who is desired by many. Capulet disagrees with this arrangement made by Lady Capulet. “My child is yet a stranger in the world; / She hath not seen the change of fourteen years. / Let two more summers wither in their pride, / Ere we may think her ripe to be a bride” (Rom. 1.2.8-11). He believes that Juliet is too young to be married and wants to protect her. He wants their marriage to be postponed for two years, until Juliet grows a bit older. Lord Capulet's age wants to protect his daughter and have her wait for marriage, which is a traditional opinion. Capulet knows that Juliet is still young and naive. Lord Capulet sees a traditionalistic side of things, with reason for all of his actions.

Romeo and Juliet depicts many themes throughout the story, one theme being the contrast between youth and age. Lord Capulet and Romeo’s contrast is proven through their actions. They both have different manors and ideals. Youth and age are proven to be completely different. It is important to be able to see both sides of youth and age. From Romeo’s vulnerability and passion, to Capulet’s traditional ideals and reasoning, both leave a strong impression on these characters.