Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, generally dated to 1594-1595 years, is a tragedy in five acts. The ancient tragedy analogue is the story of true lovers Pyramus and Thisbe, told in “Metamorphoses” by Publius Ovidius. The signs of the historical background and spirit of the plot that presents Italian life at that time adds a likelihood to a sad story of the lovers of Verona. Contradicting to the religion outlook and faithfulness to the family, Romeo and Juliet’s love seems to more valuable than society norms and symbolizes fated love.
Young Romeo (the son and heir of the Montagues) and Juliet (the daughter of the Capulets) are from noble families that are at deadly feud with each other. Romeo with Mercutio (the Prince’s kinsman and Romeo’s friend) and Benvolio (Montague’s nephew, and Romeo’s friend) come on the ball at the Capulets’ house, wearing a mask, where the unfamiliar makes him forget about Rosaline (Romeo’s previous beloved). Despite the gulf that separates them, they fall in love from the first sight and agree on a secret wedding ceremony. After killing Tybalt, (Julia’s cousin), Romeo has to escape. To prevent the marriage with Paris (a noble Prince’s kinsman) Juliet drinks a special potion that immerses her in a dream so that she seems to be dead. Ignorant of the falseness of her death, Romeo drinks poison. Juliet wakes up and stabs herself in despair. Their tragic death is not in vain, as it ends the stupid feud of Montagues and Capulets.
Facing with difficult dilemma, two lovers choose between devotion to the family and faithfulness to love. From the Comedy of errors like The Twelfth Night Shakespeare presents to the “Tragedy of errors.” Viewed as a sin by the Catholic Church, the suicide of young lovers seems to have further reunion in heavens as their death makes blind by hatred people around and enlightens them. However, the love of Romeo and Juliet is an eternal symbol of fated love.
Work cited
Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. William Shakespeare. N.d., n.p. Web. 10 November 2014.
