Romeo and Juliet
Summary
The play Romeo and Juliet is set in fourteenth century Verona, Italy. Two families, the Montagues and the Capulets, are feuding. Romeo Montague crashes a Capulet party in disguise with his friends, meets Juliet Capulet, and falls immediately in love with her. She returns those feelings and agrees to marry Romeo the next day. The young couple turn to Friar Laurence who performs the ceremony because he thinks this will end the feud between the two families. Shortly after the ceremony, Romeo and Tybalt engage in a duel. As a result, Romeo is banished. Meanwhile, unaware of the wedding, Lord Capulet (who is Juliet's father) promises Paris that Juliet will marry him. In despair, Juliet again turns to Friar Laurence for help. Through mixups and misunderstandings, the love of Juliet and Romeo is doomed.
Themes
Chance or "accident" plays a very important role in determining the fate of the lovers. Examples: Plague prevents Friar John from delivering the letter to Romeo, Mercutio is killed under Romeo's arm, Juliet awakens only moments after Romeo kills himself.
Throughout the play, love and hate are interrelated opposites. Characters pair the ideas together in their lines. Most of these lines contain oxymoron or inherent contradiction. Examples: "My only love sprung from my only hate" (Juliet). "O brawling love, O loving hate" (Romeo).
There is a celebration of youthful passion and love. Love is portrayed as beautiful even in its brevity.
Some critics point out the play criticizes and blames the tragedy on the impulsiveness of the young lovers.
Reconciliation of the families is acquired but at great sacrifice.
Characters
Romeo Montague - The main character of the play, Romeo falls in love with the daughter of his family's sworn enemy. Through his rash actions, Romeo is doomed in his quest for a happy life.
Juliet Capulet - Juliet is the other main character. She, too, falls immediately and deeply in love with Romeo. Through the decisions of those around her, Juliet is caught up in the turmoil around her.
Friar Laurence - Friar Laurence is the holy man who is also the confidant of both Juliet and Romeo. He tries to help the couple but his efforts are not enough to avert a tragedy.
Tybalt - Tybalt is known for his fiery temper and desire to fight. His deep hatred of the Montagues fuels the feud and his duel with Romeo furthers the rift between the families.
Mercutio - The best friend of Romeo, Mercutio is known for his quick wit and love of joking. He is also quick-tempered and his decision to fight on Romeo's behalf causes the feud to rise to a new level.
Prince Escalus - Prince Escalus is the ruler of Verona. Tired of the fighting, he makes a law that any more fighting will result in death.
Paris - Paris is a kinsman to Prince Escalus and wants to marry Juliet.
Lord Capulet - Lord Capulet is a man who enjoys making decisions and being in charge of his household. His hasty promises provoke his daughter to seek help elsewhere.
Nurse - The Nurse is the closest that Juliet has to a friend. At first supportive of Juliet's actions, she later betrays the trust she has enjoyed from Juliet.
Benvolio - Benvolio is known as the peacemaker. Although a kinsman of Romeo, his calm and peaceful nature makes him a perfect foil for Romeo and Mercutio.
Lines
"Wisely and slow. They stumble that run fast."
Friar Laurence Act II scene iii
"That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet"
Juliet Act II scene ii
"O happy dagger! This is thy sheath; there rust, and let me die"
Juliet Act V scene iii
"Thus with a kiss I die."
Romeo Act V scene iii
"But, soft, what light through yonder window breaks?
It is the east, and Juliet is the sun."
Romeo Act II scene ii
"O, swear not by the moon, th' inconstant moon,
That monthly changes in her circled orb,
Lest that thy love prove likewise variable."
Juliet Act II scene ii
"O, Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?"
Juliet Act II scene ii
"For never was a story of more woe
Than this of Juliet and her Romeo."
Prince Escalus Act V scene iii