Themes Flashcards
Predetermined fate
Through the genre of tragedy, Shakespeare portrays destiny as an inevitable and fatal force which is inescapable by all characters. Fate is alluded to, most notably, by Romeo and through references to Classical Mythology in order to personify fate and suggest it is beyond human control. Also the prologue identifies a theme of fate as it tells the audience what is going to happen before it happens, this is a dramatic tool used to create tension. Through telling the audience exactly what is going to happen at the beginning of the play, it is evident that the characters are unable to escape their impending doom. Thus, it is evident that fate is in control. Shakespeare even tells the audience how long the story will be, referencing the “two hours’ traffic of our stage”. This reference to the length of the play further increases the tension as the audience are in constant anticipation of the two protagonists.
The tension and anticipation is resolved when the prophecy is finally fulfilled. Here the emotions of the audience climax which result in catharsis (relieving of emotion)
By using this sonnet form in the prologue, which already introduces the element of foreshadowing, Shakespeare could be reinforcing the idea that everything in the world is planned and predestined and that nothing we do is ever spontaneous because it is already written in the stars somewhere. This revelation can have one of two effects on the audience
Societal struggles
Shakespeare depicts the struggles of the individual through the presentation of the eponymous characters Romeo and Juliet and how they struggle against familiar power and societal expectations, particularly the patriarch, religion and the social importance placed on masculine honour. Shakespeare arguably presents these ideas as forms of conflict against the couple’s love to show that even though their love supersedes all other things in their eyes, they have to battle between their own desires and the expectations demanded by society.
Repenting
Due to the Childress dest, the families are almost forced in re-conciliation, and apologise for their behaviour. Capsular says “O brother Montague, give me thy hand” illustrating how h wishes to forget his past arguments and move forward. The address of “brother” demonstrates how he wishes to move the relationship forward, and are much closer now due to the deaths
Power
Throughout the play, power functions as the main catalyst for the development of happiness and sadness, love and hatred. With the constant struggle for power and control playing into characters like Lord Capulet’s hamartia constantly affected by individuals’ personal interests, households’ interests and societal interests. Any sense of power a character can grasp on to ends up being used to control, manipulate and be wielded over others. Shakespeare also negatively depicts men proving their greater power over women.
Conflict
The theme of conflict is something that has infiltrated every aspect of Veronian society, including those most capable of love. This is demonstrated through love being a cause of conflict, love being surrounded by conflict and conflict being inescapable until tragedy occurs. It also infiltrates every single part of the people themselves, and their feelings. This is shown through Juliets inner conflict when she discovers that Romeo is actually a Montague.
Overpowering force (love)
Shakespeare presents the theme of love as an uncontrollable and overpowering force which supersedes all other values, loyalties and emotions. Love is also presented as a cause of conflict and something that is shrouded by conflict because of the ancient grudge between the Capulets and Montagues.
Unrequited love
Unrequited Love:
Unrequited love is portrayed through Romeo’s infatuation with Rosaline; instead of bringing him joy he becomes depressed as his love is one sided and she doesn’t feel the same way. In Act 1 Scene 1, Romeo uses a range of oxymorons to express his emotions about love. “O brawling love, O loving hate”. The verb “brawl” is used as an adjective here and has connotations of fighting, which also emphasises the conflict within the play. The oxymoron between “brawling” and “love” represents the contrast between Romeo and Juliet’s love with the quarrelling and violence of the family feud. It also foreshadows the amount of violence that will occur throughout the course of the play between the families, and links with the important theme of the coexistence of love and hate.
The unending list of Romeo’s oxymorons from “feather of lead,” “bright smoke,” “cold fire,” to “sick health,” suggests Romeo’s inability to comprehend what is in front of him and his overall confusion on love. In addition to this, it strongly alludes to Romeo’s immature and inexperienced character, and his tendency to make rushed decisions.
This is reinforced when Juliet says in Act 2 Scene 2 “too rash, too unadvis’d, too sudden, too like the lightning”, the listing builds to the simile which encapsulates Romeo’s character as someone who is reckless and immature.
Love and hate
Love and Hate:
Shakespeare juxtaposes love and hate throughout the play. He even subverts incredibly romantic scenes with moments filled with hate and conflict. The opposition of love and hate within the play creates tension. Another instance in which love and hate are put together is after the two lovers get married. The Friar conducts the ceremony (in Act 2, Scene 6) saying “Come, come with me, and we will make short work.” Friar Lawrence is conveying how they have to go quickly and make the ceremony fast. This scene is immediately juxtaposed by the climax of the play Act 3 Scene 1 where Mercutio and Tybalt die. Shakespeare manages to put together the epitome of love which is marriage and the epitome of hate which is murder to illustrate to the audience the simplicity as well as the complexity of life in presenting the two most powerful emotions alongside each other.
Death
Death is often treated very liberally by Shakespeare and used to progress the plot and increase tension within and between the households. Shakespeare attempts to illustrate the duality of death and how it can both cause harm while also mending the feud between the two families. This, however, is not without sacrifices as many young characters must die due to the futile family feud and the complexity of Romeo and Juliet’s love (following the classic ideas of a Greek Tragedy)
Violence
Love seems to push the lovers closer to love and violence, not farther from it. Romeo and Juliet are plagued with thoughts of suicide, and a willingness to experience it: in Act 3, scene 3, Romeo brandishes a knife in Friar Lawrence’s cell and threatens to kill himself after he has been banished from Verona and his love. Juliet also pulls a knife in order to take her own life in Friar Lawrence’s presence just three scenes later. After Capulet decides that Juliet will marry Paris, Juliet says, “If all else fail, myself have power to die”. This theme continues until its inevitable conclusion: double suicide. This tragic choice is the highest, most potent expression of love that Romeo and Juliet can make. It is only through death that they can preserve their love, and their love is so profound that they are willing to end their lives in its defence
