Romantic Love In Romeo And Juliet Free Essay Example

Hook - Helen Fisher once said, “Romantic love is an obsession. It possesses you. You lose your sense of self” (Singh). 

Bridge - The renowned play, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, written by Shakespeare, is a tragic love story between two infatuated teenagers from opposing households. Throughout the play, the protagonists must confront multiple conflicts, including marriage suitors, banishment, and the concealment of a love in the midst of an ancestral family feud. 

Thesis Statement - The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet displays the negative aspects of romantic love between the two main characters who develop a dangerous obsession for each other by mistaking lust as love. This in turn, influences their decisions.

TS – Not only does Romeo fall in love with Juliet because of her beauty, but he also rushes to consummate his marriage with her, displaying an aspect of love based solely on physical attraction.

CD – Near the beginning of the Capulet’s masquerade party, Romeo immediately falls in love with Juliet upon beholding her “Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear” (1.5.47).

CM – Without ever conversing with Juliet, Romeo immediately believes he has found true love and proceeds to court her. They both believe they fall in love with each other, yet know nothing of each other’s personalities. At times, people will believe they are deeply in love with someone at first sight, but this is just superficial love which surfaces from lust.

CD – Even as Romeo discusses the wedding plans with the nurse, he mentions his intent to use “cords made like a tackled stair” to climb up to Juliet’s chamber (2.4.177).

CM – The main focus of Romeo’s arrangement appears to be the consummation of marriage, as opposed to what will occur after the marriage or how they will continue to meet. This clearly displays the strong lust that lovers may mistake as love. 

CS – Love, especially rushed love, may not always be true love. Instead, it may be a desire to fulfill one’s sexual desire.

TS – With both of the protagonists being enamored with each other, they are willing to die for the other. This reveals the recklessness that comes with love.

CD – After Romeo is banished from Verona, he has intercourse with Juliet before leaving. After the consummation, Romeo realizes it is dawn and he must swiftly leave for Mantua. However, Juliet persists that it is still night and he should stay with her. Romeo agrees to stay and even welcomes death because “Juliet wills it so” (3.5.24).

CM – Romeo’s infatuation with Juliet is clearly seen here, as not only is he already banished from the city, but also the Prince ordered Romeo to be executed should he be caught in Verona the next day. Despite this, Romeo does not fear death and would rather stay with Juliet for a few more hours. This scene demonstrates love’s ability to overpower one’s rationality. 

CD – Moreover, Juliet seeks help from Friar Laurence after her parents declare that she shall marry Paris in a few days. The friar then gives her a vial that, if drunken, will result “in [a] borrow’d likeness of shrunk death” (4.1.104). Upon hearing that Juliet may be able to avoid the arranged marriage and remain pure for Romeo, she immediately agrees.

CM – In this moment, Juliet disregards all logic and immediately accepts, not thinking of the possible consequences of this decision. The only thought in Juliet’s mind is that she must remain pure for her true love, Romeo. The aspect of love shown here is the poor judgment that comes with love. Being in love can cause people to solely focus on their significant other as opposed to their own wellbeing.

CS – Not only does love result in poor judgment, but it can also leave people vulnerable to self-harm, especially when their significant other is in danger or deceased.

Summary - When people believe they are in love and are enamored with their significant other, they do not realize it might actually be a pursuit of carnal desires. This may also lead lovers to become impractical.

Bridge - Romeo and Juliet can teach society to not allow emotions to overcome one’s judgment, and to be aware of the consequences that may follow one’s decisions.