R+J, Themes: Love Flashcards
What point does Shakespeare make of love, and give a quotation?
Shakespeare makes the point that true love (I.e. The love between Romeo and Juliet) isn’t sexual or courtly or lustful or of .friendship but a mix of all accumulating in a devout passion which should be preserved and cherished “Love, lord, ay husband, friend?” [J to R]
Shakespeare could also have made a religious message in R+J’s love being over their love for God “do entreat her eyes and twinkle in spheres” is an example of Romeo speaking of Juliet as if she is other-worldly or her eyes being like stars (a running metaphor for fate and possibly God throughout) this possible comparison of Juliet with God would certainly have shocked Elizabethan audiences, their eventual tragedy could have been a repercussion of this love gone too far,
Give an quotation of Religious love in R+J
“Exchange of thy love’s faithful vow for mine” [R to J requesting marriage] - All love is ties by religion
Give an example of courtly love in R and J
“Rosaline forgot that name and that name’s woe” [R to Friar about Rosaline after meeting J] -Shows fragility of Courtly love, Romeo was lamenting before.
Give a quote of true love in R and J
“Juliet is the sun”; “Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight” [both from R to J] - illustrates the magnitude of their love for each other, nothing sexual or courtly about either
Give a quotation showing sexual love in Romeo and Juliet
“Go girl, seek happy nights” [Nurse to J regarding sex with Paris]; “demesnes” [Mercutio, meaning sexual parts], “open-arse” [Mercutio, meaning female sex organ] - All really very crude sexual banter from people who haven’t experienced it (For a long time) themselves, showing that love isn’t simply sex.
Name the four types of love portrayed in R+J
- Religious (Of God)
- Courtly (Of Rosaline)
- Real/True (Romeo and Juliet)
- Sexual (Mercutio and Nurse)
