Essay Sample: True Love or Infatuation

What exactly is true love? Juliet and Romeo are perfect role models of true love. They have an everlasting affection for each other. Furthermore, their love is strong and passionate. In Verona, Italy, a beautiful lady from the Capulet family and a handsome gentleman of the Montague family, both teenagers from feuding families, fell desperately in love. They are willing to put their lives on the line for one another and their relationship. The lovers are not paying enough attention to the family quarrel to make it appear essential to them, so they ignore it. In Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, it is evident that they are deeply in love with each other because they transgress boundaries, think irrationally, and risk dignity.

 To begin with, Romeo and Juliet love each other because they are willing to go to any extent for each other. Romeo was infatuated with Rosaline, but he never loved her with as much intensity as his love for Juliet is. In the quote, "Tis but thy name that is my enemy; Thou art thyself, though not a Montague, what’s Montague?", (ii.2.38-40) and "Thy purpose marriage, send me word to-morrow" (ii.2.143). The lovers are well aware of their family feud but decide to marry nevertheless. When Juliet is questioning the importance of names, she claims that the title of Montague is her enemy, not Romeo himself.

Secondly, when Romeo learns that Juliet died, his first inclination is to commit suicide and accompany her. Romeo made his decision without hesitation and acted immediately. That demonstrates Romeo's undying love for Juliet since he is willing to die to be with her. The remark "An if a man did need poison now", (v.1.51) demonstrates Romeo's desperation and determination. The use of the words "need" and "now" convinces the readers of the importance and resolve. Romeo's impulsive intention of sacrificing himself to reconnect with Juliet is enough to validate their love. As a result, Romeo's thoughts are very irrational regarding his actions.

Finally, Juliet was contemplating whether or not she should take the potion the Friar had provided her on Tuesday night, the night before her wedding to Paris. Juliet considers all of the various implications of taking the potion. The position might cost her her life. As well as her honor and her father's legacy, given that she is the Capulet family's only child. Juliet decides to consume the potion after a lengthy fight with herself. Similar to Romeo's actions, her actions demonstrate how desperate she is. Her last words before taking the potion are "Romeo, I come! This do I drink to thee". (iv.3.58) Considering her last words are dedicated to her husband, it is evident that their love is deep and true and not surface level. She would not be risking her life to reconcile with her Romeo if it was simply infatuation. She would never do something that might endanger her life, yet she did. Earlier in the book, she states, "Or, if thou wilt not, be sworn my love, And I’ll no longer be a Capulet" (ii.2.34-35). Juliet is willing to give up her family name, which brings her great status and wealth, to be with Romeo. In the end, Juliet is prepared to sacrifice her dignity to be with Romeo.

Overall, Romeo and Juliet's love is deep and pure. It can not be mistaken for infatuation because their actions convey otherwise. They both blur boundaries, think irrationally and endanger their dignity. The event of secretly eloping makes it more than evident that they are desirous to go as far as necessary for each other and their love. Next, their reactions to certain events are instant, and lastly, they are prepared for the consequences of their actions and are ready to risk their nobility.