Themes of Love, Hatred and Conflict in 'Romeo and Juliet'

‘Romeo and Juliet’, written by William Shakespeare and first published in (1597), is a tragedy dealing with the themes of love, hatred and conflict. Language and actions conveyed in the 21st century reflects the basic understanding of what existed in the Elizabethan era. It reveals how and why these developed into ideas and movements that support similar purposes and understandings that are adapted by time proving these issues are timeless. These themes are continuously attracting the audience to the play caused by relatable, universal concerns such as love and hatred leading to appalling actions.

The conflicting brawl between the Montagues and Capulets is a constant obstacle for Romeo and Juliet. Conflict was a major component in the Elizabethan era and is demonstrated in a semi-different style to today as ideas of weaponry and language have either developed or have remained. Whereas Tybalt and Mercutio fought due to hatred, ‘O, I am Fortune’s fool!’ This metaphor features Romeo’s remorse as he regards himself a cruel victim of fate, this implies Romeo’s conviction in the fact that sometimes fate deceives us in inconceivable ways. Their loathing emotions and society beliefs cause issues, even as a tragedy may occur, human

beings will continue to make minor or major mistakes which acquire consequences. Love seemingly overpowers Romeo and Juliet’s will to live as conflict is a major obstacle that continues to stand in their way. Set in Friar Lawrence’s cell, Romeo brandishes a knife against himself after he was announced to be banished from Verona. The willingness of wanting to die for love reoccurs with Juliet as she’s pronounced to be wed to Count Paris. She says ‘If all else fail, myself have power to die.’ The use of Iambic Pentameter kept in this quote indicates that both Romeo and Juliet are very invested in their feelings of their willingness to die for each other. It develops a wider audience and shows how universal these issues and use of language appeal to ‘Romeo and Juliet’. This act preserves their love for each other as it seems more distressing than them being a physical existence in society. During the Balcony Scene, Juliet says, ‘Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name, or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, and I'll no longer be a Capulet.’ The Symbolism of baptism is demonstrated in this scene on the balcony, it shows a purity and youth of their relationship. This is significant due to Romeo’s commitment towards Juliet’s love. It conveys the internal and mental thoughts of Juliet falling in love with a Montague. The confliction within, in which Juliet is feeling, is concerned by being raised to live in an environment where their long lasting feud between the Montagues and Capulets have defined each one's existence. This relates that violence and hatred is still being demonstrated by human behaviour which has not varied throughout the long period of time. This causes an undeveloped society.

The “two star-crossed lovers” appear to have built a relationship that entails emotions that date back for years. Their love was quick and all consuming, furthermore it is clear that their foreshadowed deaths can be attributed to their young love. In the Elizabethan era, it is generally considered foolish to marry purely for love considering there are arranged marriages, although love may occur in marriage. Romeo delivers this quote as Juliet speaks on her balcony, ‘But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. Arise fair sun and kill the envious moon.’ A soliloquy, noticeable in this scene, Romeo’s abundant love and admiration towards Juliet is overwhelming as he eagerly waits to reunite. As Romeo speaks in Monologue while he directly expresses his thoughts on Juliet. Throughout the vivid verse, Romeo compares Juliet to the sun. this metaphor implies that Juliet is perceived as bright, radiant and glorious. Near the end, Romeo and Juliet are both impetuous to kill themselves for each others formidable love. Romeo utters these words to Juliet, lying in her tomb. ‘Ah, dear Juliet. Why art thou so fair?Shall I believe that substantial death is amorous, and that the lean abhorred monster keeps thee here in dark to be his paramore?For fear of that, I still will stay with thee, and never from this palace of dim night.’ The dramatic irony implicit in the before mentioned verses evokes sympathy and tension throughout the audience. Juliet appears beautiful and utterly untouched by death, which highlights the dramatic Irony underlying the tragic scene which was foreshadowed a few times throughout the play. As Romeo is ignorant regarding Juliet faking her death, he is revealing to show off his impetuosity affecting Juliet obliviously. Earlier in the play, the Nurse confronts Romeo, says, ‘What she bid me say, I will keep to myself. But first let me tell ye, if ye should lead her in a fool’s paradise, as they say, it were a very gross kind of behaviour.’ The quote Contrasts to actions held by Romeo as he has proved his overwhelming love concerning Juliet, this being something Romeo is opposed to thinking. The Nurse is looking out for Juliet’s heart and naivety, warning Romeo to not fool her into loving him. The nurse is resembling to become a nurturing mother towards Juliet since she has been raised by the Nurse since she was born, demonstrating their familial love between one another. This displays that Love in Romeo and Juliet is a brutal, powerful emotion showing that it captures individuals and leads them against themselves and the world they live in.

Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ displays issues and themes that continue to remain in our society today, whether it has a positive or negative impact. We still entail to learn and understand that people are sharing similar experiences throughout their lives proving that they are fundamental towards one another, demonstrating that these themes are timeless and have relevance to society.