Romeo & Juliet Quotes Flashcards
These violent…
“These violent delights have violent ends.”
Analysis: The Friar foreshadows the tragic consequences of Romeo and Juliet’s impulsive and passionate love, warning that unchecked intensity can lead to destruction.
Themes: Love, fate, and caution
I defy…
“I defy you, stars!”
Analysis: highlights Romeo’s rebellion against the idea of destiny, which has consistently worked against him. Ironically, his attempt to defy fate by taking his own life only fulfils the tragic destiny foretold in the prologue.
Themes: Fate, free will, and tragedy.
Ere we may…
“Ere we may think her ripe to be a bride.”
Analysis: Capulet’s use of the word “ripe” compares Juliet to a fruit, implying that she is not yet ready for marriage. This reflects the patriarchal view of women as objects to be “prepared” for marriage.
Themes: Patriarchy, marriage, and the commodification of women.
Death is my…
“Death is my son-in-law, Death is my heir; / My daughter he hath wedded.”
Analysis: Capulet’s grief is framed in terms of lost property as he laments the loss of a marriage alliance rather than Juliet herself. This reflects the commodification of women in a patriarchal society.
Themes: Patriarchy, Arranged Marriage and lack of free will for women
A plague…
“A plague o’ both your houses!”
Analysis: Mercutio blames the ongoing conflict between the two families for his death. This line foreshadows the tragic consequences that the feud will bring to Romeo, Juliet, and others.
Theme: Destructive Consequences of Feud, violence, fate, honour, and the loss of innocent lives.
What’s in a….
“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
Analysis: emphasizes that names and family ties should not define love. This quote illustrates her desire to transcend the feud between the Montagues and Capulets, asserting that true love is independent of social constructs
Theme: Consequences of the Feud, Fate
My only love…
“My only love sprung from my only hate!”
Analysis: captures the paradox of her situation. This quote highlights the conflict between love and hate, emphasizing how their families’ feud complicates their relationship and foreshadows the tragic consequences of their love.
Theme: Consequences of the Feud,
O, I am…
“O, I am fortunes fool!”
Analysis: His entrapment in a fate that manipulates his actions and decisions, reflecting his profound sense of helplessness in the face of external forces. This admission reveals the tragic irony of his situation, as his passionate quest for love and vengeance ultimately leads to catastrophic consequences, showcasing the destructive nature of fate as it intertwines with the impulsive decisions of youth
Themes: Fate, Consequences of the Feud, Destructive love
