The Depths of Romantic Love in Romeo and Juliet

The Idealization of Romantic Love

Love is a tricky thing, isn't it? It’s got writers, poets, and artists hooked for centuries. Take Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, for example. This play really dives deep into what romantic love is all about. At its heart, it's a story of two young lovers from families that just can't stand each other. Right from the start, Shakespeare shows us Romeo and Juliet as these starry-eyed kids who are just meant to be together—even though their families would rather keep them apart.

Their love feels so pure and intense, almost like they’re in their own world. Remember when Romeo calls Juliet a "bright angel" or says she's the "sun"? Yeah, those lines are famous for a reason (Act 2, Scene 2). It's like he’s saying their love is outta this world—literally celestial. Shakespeare's language here makes you feel how deep and strong their feelings are.

Plus, these two are ready to drop everything for each other. That balcony scene where Juliet goes on about denying her dad’s name just to be with Romeo? Talk about intense! They're willing to go against society's norms and even their own families because they think their love is worth it (Act 2, Scene 2). Their love seems powerful enough to overcome any obstacle life throws at them.

The Destructive Nature of Love

But hold up—it's not all sunshine and rainbows with these two. Shakespeare doesn’t shy away from showing us the dark side of love too. Those Montagues and Capulets sure know how to hold a grudge! And their feud makes you wonder if love can ever really survive in such a hostile environment.

The play kinda hints at tragedy right from the get-go. I mean, look at the prologue! It basically tells us that things won’t end well: "A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life" (Prologue 5-6). That sets you up for some serious drama later on.

And let's not forget how love can make people do crazy things—like Romeo getting himself killed because he couldn't think straight around Juliet. His impulsive decision to fight Tybalt? Total disaster (Act 3, Scene 1). It’s like unchecked passion becomes this dangerous thing leading him down the wrong path.

The Transformative Power of Love

Even though things end badly for our favorite couple—and yeah it gets pretty grim—their story also shows how love can change people for better or worse.

You see it when both families start realizing maybe fighting isn’t worth losing loved ones over anymore...like the Prince says at the end: "See what a scourge is laid upon your hate" (Act 5, Scene 3). This suggests that despite all that went wrong between them; maybe something good came outta their tragic story after all?

On an individual level too; both Romeo & Juliet grow so much through loving each other! Remember how gloomy Romeo was before meeting her? Suddenly he becomes poetic & mature beyond his years when expressing himself emotionally which shows character development big time! Meanwhile sweet innocent obedient daughter transforms into strong independent woman standing up fiercely alongside him throughout adversity proving growth really happened due mainly because they fell head over heels crazy-madly-deeply smitten together!

Conclusion

Sooo…what do we take away here folks?? Well besides being reminded classic literature rocks hard sometimes lol–we learn lots bout complexity behind romantic relationships right?

This old tale gives insight into highs AND lows associated with falling passionately hopelessly deeply romantically forever-ever-after sorta thing! Shakespeare does incredible job making us feel intensity while showing risks involved letting emotions run wild uncontrolled unchecked leading potentially disastrous results possibly hurting everyone caught within crossfire long-standing grudges violence feuds tears heartbreak pain ultimately realizing healing unity redemption possible should hearts open embrace forgiveness understanding instead...

Bibliography

• Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. Edited by Jill L. Levenson, Oxford University Press, 2000.
• Bloom, Harold. Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human. Riverhead Books, 1998.
• Maguire, Laurie E. "Shakespeare's Language". Columbia University Press, 2007.
• Packer, Tina. "The Women of Will: Following the Feminine in Shakespeare’s Plays". Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 2015.
• Kastan, David Scott. "A Companion to Shakespeare's Works". Blackwell Publishing Ltd., 2003.