Romeo And Juliet: Youth Flashcards
Give an acronym for six points
FHPRFL
Fatalism Haste Parental Influence Role Models Friendship Love
Fatalism: Point and Quote
Romeo’s youthfulness and lack of life experience leads him to being fatalistic
“But He that hath the steerage of my course,/ Direct my sail!”
Romeo feels his destiny is unavoidable and blames fate for his actions, exonerating himself of any responsibility
Haste: Point and quote
Romeo’s behaviour throughout he play lacks foresight and is often hasty and reckless, an attitude synonymous with youthful characters in literature
“Did my heart love till now? Foreswear it sight!/ For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night”
Romeo’s emotions appear strong yet fickle
Parental Influence: point and quote
For centuries, youths have been attempting to forge their own identity beyond the influence of their parents. Juliet is willing to reject all that has formed her.
“O 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
Juliet wishes Romeo to rebel against his family but claims that if he doesn’t, she will reject her life and name
Role Models: point and quote
In youth one often finds Influence from beyond the family home. An elder that one admires can often have as much guidance and impact on one’s life than a parent. Friar Laurence provides a mentoring role over Romeo
“Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast”
Romeo rushes to Friar Laurence the morning after meeting Juliet, wishing him to sanction their marriage. Their language suggests a close relationship. The Friar warns Romeo of the capricious hearts of young men
Friendship: point and quote
The language of youth has its own rich and often irreverent vernacular. This is displayed most colourfully throughout Romeo & Juliet particularly in the character of Mercutio
“A bawd, a bawd, a bawd! So ho!”
Mercutio’s language is coarsest sexual throughout the scene for the purpose of the amusement of his friends. This is indicative of the prurient humour of youth and among friends
Love: point and quote
The discovery of love and all its wonderful joys has, for generations, enchanted with excitement the youthful heart. Rome and Juliet are both enraptured by their love for one another
“With loves light wings did I o’er perch these walls,/ For stony limits love cannot hold out”
The rush of love has given Romeo the power to climb the capulet’s walls to see Juliet
Their declarations of love are of both the highest eloquence and beauty, capturing the naive majesty of young people in love
