Meaningful Relationships in Romeo and Juliet Essay Example

Romeo and Juliet tells a story of two star crossed lovers fighting against all odds to be with one another. In the play, the author, William Shakespeare discusses the idea that when developing meaningful relationships with others, an individual receives a sort of fulfilment in their life. With bonds connecting them together, aloneness would no longer feel so all-consuming, and an end would come to one's emptiness. From beginning to end the characters show the need of anyone, in any society to build and have relationships with love, trust, and support. Meaningful relationships are shown through how the characters initially act, to their meeting and ultimately their deaths. 

In the beginning of the play Romeo and Juliet have the opposite of appeals with having meaningful relationships. Juliet shows what seems to be an ongoing disinterest for marriage, describing it as a “Honour that I do not dream of.” (Page 25, Line 69), through this, her character is revealed as someone with a great deal of independence. As she approaches her fourteenth birthday she expresses her no desire for marriage or children, much to her mothers dismay. At this initial point in the play she has no intent to pursue a man. Juliet at the beginning is shy and portrays an innocent character, not even thinking about ever defying her family. On the other side Romeo is in fact the opposite, showing a strong need for that connection and striving for love. He would fall in with his eyes closed. This is described when he says he's cursed by the power love has to control him. Ultimately shown through his smitteness with Rosaline, a girl he had never met. At first glance when introduced to Romeo, it is evident he feels quite depressed and frustrated, being as love struck as he is. Romeo explains his need for love to feel content by sharing with his friends how lonely and sad he is without it, and with that, the lines between love and infatuation blur. “By giving liberty unto thine eyes, Examine other beauties.” (Scene 1, Act 1), Benvoilio tells Romeo to keep his heart open and not settle on Rosaline. This initiates Romeo to not act as impulsive and let his lust for one girl determine how his love is.

At last the lovers meet at the Capulet party, essentially changing their lives forever. The two, formally enemies are love struck at first glance. “Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight. For I never saw true beauty till this night.” (Page 32, Line 51-52). In this passage Romeo sees Juliet for the first time. Through this he realizes he in fact did not love Rosaline, instead longed for a real love, and to him Juliet was just that. Presented in the quote he claims, he had never seen true beauty until that moment. From interpretation this reflects the way in which Romeo's character begins to fulfill that sorrow from not having a relationship worth anything. He sees a light and innocence in Juliet and feels almost bewitched by her beauty and presence. Upon meeting Romeo, Juliet develops a sense of confidence and is consumed with desire for a life filled with freedom and decisions belonging to her. When all is revealed and she is to be betrothed to Paris after meeting Romeo, she less than agrees, instead wanting to decide whom she marries. Juliet’s character's interests begin to alter once she realizes it wasn’t so much as she was against marriage but she hadn’t felt a sense of love towards someone so strong that marriage didn’t feel like a deal or arrangement. Following meeting Romeo Juliet becomes outspoken for herself and vows to go against her family, specifically her parents and fall in love on her own accord. The two individuals, Romeo and Juliet, feel the need for a meaningful relationship upon meeting, abandoning who they thought they loved or thought they could love. This is recognized through “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell just as sweet.” (Page 45, Line 45-46), Juliet comes to the realization that their names or pasts do not define them, only that they love each other now. She as well as him both feel in order to feel full and content they must be with each other. 

Their love was not known by sight to be as intense as it played out. The lovers would go from the farthest extremes and what was once a play of romance and young love turned into a great tragedy. The two didn’t realize upon the loss of another they’d go as far as to die for each other. They simply could not live if not together. This shows the need for meaningful relationships because their love was so utmost that the existence of one didn’t feel possible, or needed alone. THe emptiness and solitude of being alone can make one feel empty and with a great deal of sadness. It is shown in the play, someone who you share a bond with or someone who you love is essential to staying alive.

Life and love fall hand in hand. Humans in society need someone to turn to and to express themselves socially. Whether we need a love like shown in the play, Romeo and Juliet or simply a love from a family or friend, society depends on finding connection and becoming happy. In doing so, reaching fulfillment and belonging.