The suicidal impulse in Romeo and Juliet is attributed to their young, desperate love rather than representing the play's theme of the highest form of love. Romeo and Juliet barely knew each other, having met only four times, yet they believed their love could overcome any obstacles and married in haste. Their love was immature and impulsive, blinding them to the differences between their families and consequences of their actions. When faced with separation, their desperation and poor decision-making led them to take their own lives, though suicide should not have been their only option.
The Crucible - Character and Act revisionthemerch78
The document provides character summaries and context about the play The Crucible by Arthur Miller. It describes the main characters like Abigail Williams, John Proctor, and Elizabeth Proctor. It also summarizes the plot, setting, and events of each of the four acts, showing how fear, spite, and the desire for self-preservation escalate the Salem witch trials to the point where innocent people are hanged.
The document summarizes William Shakespeare's play The Winter's Tale. It provides background on the play, noting that it was first published in 1623 and was based on Robert Greene's novel Pandosto. It describes the play's genre as both tragedy and comedy. The summary then outlines the key plot points, including that Leontes becomes convinced his wife Hermione has been unfaithful, which leads to tragic consequences, before the story shifts to their long-lost daughter Perdita 16 years later. It also includes character descriptions and the settings of Sicily and Bohemia.
HERE I AM SHARING MY PRESENTATION OF MY M.A COURSE AS MY ACADEMIC WORK.I AM SUBMITTING THIS PRESENTATION TO DR. DILIP BARAD , SMT.S.B. GARDI DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH MKBU
This document provides background information on William Shakespeare and his famous play Romeo and Juliet. It discusses that Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon and became a famous playwright in London, writing plays for the Globe theater. It then summarizes some of the key plot points and themes of Romeo and Juliet, including the feuding families, the forbidden love between Romeo and Juliet, and their tragic deaths. The document also explains various Elizabethan theater conventions and terms used in Shakespeare's plays.
Born in 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts, Edgar Allan Poe was an American writer, poet, editor, and literary critic. He is known for his tales of mystery and horror, which helped pioneer the modern detective fiction genre. Some of his most famous works include "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Fall of the House of Usher." His 1845 poem "The Raven" is considered one of the best-known poems in American literature.
There are typically two essay questions provided for students studying King Lear - one focused on a character and the other on a theme or dramatic effect in the play. The questions present a statement or proposition for students to evaluate by exploring aspects of the play. Students are asked to argue a central idea or consider a new perspective, and are expected to reach a conclusion about the question's proposition. Ten sample questions are provided that cover topics like the presentation of nature, Lear's character, parent-child relationships, the roles of certain characters, themes of redemption and corruption, the use of madness, the Fool's role, depictions of suffering, and whether the play is ultimately pessimistic.
American Romanticism began in the early 1800s as a reaction against rationalism and industrialization. Romantics valued emotion, imagination, and nature over reason. They often used exotic settings or nature as an escape from reality. Early American writers developed a unique voice by using the American wilderness in their novels, like James Fenimore Cooper in The Last of the Mohicans. Transcendentalists like Ralph Waldo Emerson emphasized intuition and the divine in nature, while "Dark Romantics" like Nathaniel Hawthorne and Edgar Allan Poe provided a darker, more balanced view that acknowledged both good and evil in humanity and nature.
The Crucible - Character and Act revisionthemerch78
The document provides character summaries and context about the play The Crucible by Arthur Miller. It describes the main characters like Abigail Williams, John Proctor, and Elizabeth Proctor. It also summarizes the plot, setting, and events of each of the four acts, showing how fear, spite, and the desire for self-preservation escalate the Salem witch trials to the point where innocent people are hanged.
The document summarizes William Shakespeare's play The Winter's Tale. It provides background on the play, noting that it was first published in 1623 and was based on Robert Greene's novel Pandosto. It describes the play's genre as both tragedy and comedy. The summary then outlines the key plot points, including that Leontes becomes convinced his wife Hermione has been unfaithful, which leads to tragic consequences, before the story shifts to their long-lost daughter Perdita 16 years later. It also includes character descriptions and the settings of Sicily and Bohemia.
HERE I AM SHARING MY PRESENTATION OF MY M.A COURSE AS MY ACADEMIC WORK.I AM SUBMITTING THIS PRESENTATION TO DR. DILIP BARAD , SMT.S.B. GARDI DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH MKBU
This document provides background information on William Shakespeare and his famous play Romeo and Juliet. It discusses that Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon and became a famous playwright in London, writing plays for the Globe theater. It then summarizes some of the key plot points and themes of Romeo and Juliet, including the feuding families, the forbidden love between Romeo and Juliet, and their tragic deaths. The document also explains various Elizabethan theater conventions and terms used in Shakespeare's plays.
Born in 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts, Edgar Allan Poe was an American writer, poet, editor, and literary critic. He is known for his tales of mystery and horror, which helped pioneer the modern detective fiction genre. Some of his most famous works include "The Tell-Tale Heart" and "The Fall of the House of Usher." His 1845 poem "The Raven" is considered one of the best-known poems in American literature.
There are typically two essay questions provided for students studying King Lear - one focused on a character and the other on a theme or dramatic effect in the play. The questions present a statement or proposition for students to evaluate by exploring aspects of the play. Students are asked to argue a central idea or consider a new perspective, and are expected to reach a conclusion about the question's proposition. Ten sample questions are provided that cover topics like the presentation of nature, Lear's character, parent-child relationships, the roles of certain characters, themes of redemption and corruption, the use of madness, the Fool's role, depictions of suffering, and whether the play is ultimately pessimistic.
American Romanticism began in the early 1800s as a reaction against rationalism and industrialization. Romantics valued emotion, imagination, and nature over reason. They often used exotic settings or nature as an escape from reality. Early American writers developed a unique voice by using the American wilderness in their novels, like James Fenimore Cooper in The Last of the Mohicans. Transcendentalists like Ralph Waldo Emerson emphasized intuition and the divine in nature, while "Dark Romantics" like Nathaniel Hawthorne and Edgar Allan Poe provided a darker, more balanced view that acknowledged both good and evil in humanity and nature.
The narrator will die the next day and wants to confess a story. He loves animals, as does his wife, who has a cat named Pluto. The narrator starts drinking and abusing Pluto. He eventually kills Pluto by hanging him from a tree and cutting out his eye. Their house later burns down, impoverishing them. A cat appears that looks like Pluto but with a white mark on its chest resembling a gallows. The narrator tries to kill this cat but his wife intervenes. He hides the cat's body in the cellar wall but the murder is discovered thanks to the cat.
BY: NUR FAZLIN MOHD NAIM & friends
This was my group presentation for TSL 1064 Drama in English. This is a compulsory subject for all the TESL students in PPISMP Semester 2.
I hope by uploading this presentation, it will help the viewers especially for the TESL students from IPG.
This document provides background information on the playwright August Wilson and his play Fences. It discusses that Wilson was born in Pittsburgh and had a difficult childhood. He began writing plays set in Pittsburgh in the 1960s-1970s that focused on the African American experience. One of his most famous plays, Fences, is set in 1950s Pittsburgh and focuses on Troy Maxson, a black garbage collector, and the racial tensions of the time as he struggles to provide for his family.
Romance originated from myths involving knights and dragons and was first written in novels. One of the earliest and most famous romances was William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, written in the 1500s. Romance genres typically depict scenarios involving love at first sight, teen love, forbidden love, obsession, passionate love, sacrifice, and destructive love, often ending in tragedy or happily ever after. The genre aims to take audiences on an emotional journey by pulling on their heartstrings. While kissing was initially frowned upon in early films like the first kiss scene in 1896's "The Kiss," romance films have increasingly focused more on kissing and sexuality over time, which some view as losing the genre's original aspirational nature.
Themes and Settings in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William ShakespeareUmmanabiegh Ismail Jalla
A Midsummer Night's Dream is a comedy play by the legendary William Shakespeare. There are several themes and settings used in the play that are analyzed by the writer.
Richard Wright was an African American author born in 1908 in Mississippi. Some of his most famous works include the novel Native Son (1940) and the autobiography Black Boy (1945). Native Son tells the story of Bigger Thomas, a poor black man living in 1930s Chicago who commits murder. Bigger feels fear, stereotyping, and a lack of self-worth due to the racial prejudice he faces in society. Wright drew from his own experiences of growing up in the Jim Crow south and later joining the Communist party for the themes and characters in his writing.
The document discusses the concept of cheating in relationships and provides examples from television shows and movies that involve infidelity or affairs. It defines cheating as breaking the established rules of a romantic partnership, often through having a sexual or emotional relationship with someone other than one's spouse or significant other. The TV show "Cheaters" and movies "Fatal Attraction" and "The English Patient" are used to illustrate themes of deception, obsession, and the consequences that can arise from extramarital affairs. Accompanying discussion questions prompt views on forgiving infidelity and the potential dangers and outcomes of unfaithfulness.
This document provides a summary of William Shakespeare's play King Henry IV Part 1. It includes background information on the plot, characters, and historical context. The plot involves King Henry IV's plans to cleanse his conscience from usurping the throne being interrupted by a rebel uprising. His son, Prince Hal, is initially a drunkard but decides to join the army and defeat the rebels, gaining his father's respect. The main conflict is resolved when Prince Hal slays the rebel leader Hotspur in battle.
The document contrasts the representations of East (Egypt) and West (Rome) in Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra. Egypt is presented as a place of pleasure, indulgence and freedom of expression, where Antony embraces sensual delights. In contrast, Rome is depicted as strict, duty-bound and focused on politics and morality, with Caesar disapproving of Antony neglecting his responsibilities in Egypt. The document analyzes how Egypt and Rome come to embody feminine and masculine characteristics respectively, and how each civilization views itself and the other.
Briony Tallis is a 13-year-old girl with a talent for writing who lives in England in the 1930s. One evening, she witnesses a scene between her sister Cecilia and Robbie Turner, the son of the family housekeeper, and misunderstands their interaction. This leads Briony to falsely accuse Robbie of a crime. Years later, as an adult, Briony seeks atonement for her damaging accusation through her writing, though Cecilia and Robbie's fates cannot be changed. The novel explores the themes of love, class, guilt, forgiveness and the mistakes of youth that can ruin lives.
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare contains several important quotations that illustrate key themes in the play. The first quotation from the balcony scene portrays Romeo seeing Juliet as beautiful as the sun and transforming the night into day. The second famous quotation has Juliet asking why Romeo must be a Montague and deny his family name for her love. The third quotation is Mercutio's Queen Mab speech about dreams. The final quotation discusses Romeo and Juliet being star-crossed lovers destined to die as mentioned by the Chorus, Romeo declaring himself fortune's fool, and defying the stars by taking his own life.
Characterization of "I" in The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poefemirchm
The document provides an analysis of the characterization of the narrator "I" in Edgar Allan Poe's short story "The Tell-Tale Heart". It summarizes that "I" displays paranoid, stalking, and two-faced behaviors. After murdering the old man, "I" is described as cruel, sadistic, and clever in disposing of the body. However, "I" is ultimately revealed to be a liar and have a mental disorder through his inability to stop hearing the beating of the old man's heart, exposing the true nature of his personality.
Born- 1929 Died- 1993
Fluent in 5 languages- English, Kannada, Telugu, Sanskrit, Tamil
Awards- Sahitya Akademi for his collected poems
Themes- Indian culture, death, family
Held comprehensive knowledge of Indian Mythology
Influence of “Tamil Tradition”
Belief- True suffering, and sorrow brings out poetry
Othello by William Shakespeare, Notes, Quotes and Analysis by T. ScarsbrookTanyeliScarsbrook
I used this slide for my A level in English Language and Literature. It helped me a lot as I got an A as a result. I have analysed each act and scene, as well as Key notes and analysis of quotes. This took me a few months to make so I hope it helps some of you.
Documentation for the interdepartamental task 2015-16, "A Midsummer Night's Dream". IES Pedro Floriani, Redondela. Departements of Philosophy and English. School Library. 1st Bacharelato
The document summarizes key themes and techniques in Romeo and Juliet through quotations and analysis. The main themes discussed are:
1. Love is portrayed as a complex emotion that ultimately destroys Romeo and Juliet despite their families' hatred. Dynamic verbs and oxymorons like "loving hate" show love's complexity.
2. Fate vs free will is central, from the "star-crossed lovers" introduction to Romeo defying the stars. Symbolism of stars represents their destiny.
3. Friendship and enemies are explored through Juliet asking Romeo to reject his family and Romeo "feasting with mine enemy." Their love is stronger than family rivalry.
4
This document provides a detailed summary and analysis of Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice. It outlines the key plot points and characters, literary devices used, themes, and conflicts in the story. The novel is set in Regency-era England and follows the romantic lives and marriages of the Bennet sisters, centering around the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. The summary analyzes the characters, narrative perspective, symbolism, and social commentary within Austen's celebrated work.
The document summarizes a story about Miss Emily, an eccentric woman in her town. After her father's funeral, Miss Emily gets a boyfriend named Homer but buys poison out of fear he will leave her. Homer then disappears. The town suspects Miss Emily poisoned Homer since his body is found in her house many years later. The story explores the town's gossiping about Miss Emily and interference in her life, as well as symbols of death and taxes.
A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare is about four young Athenian lovers, their relationships, and the events that transpire in an enchanted forest. The play involves the intermingling storylines between the lovers, led astray by a mischievous fairy named Puck, and a group of amateur actors rehearsing in the same forest. Through magic and mistaken identities, the lovers endure romantic complications and misunderstandings before the play concludes with their relationships resolved and a humorous play-within-the-play performed for the married couples.
The narrator will die the next day and wants to confess a story. He loves animals, as does his wife, who has a cat named Pluto. The narrator starts drinking and abusing Pluto. He eventually kills Pluto by hanging him from a tree and cutting out his eye. Their house later burns down, impoverishing them. A cat appears that looks like Pluto but with a white mark on its chest resembling a gallows. The narrator tries to kill this cat but his wife intervenes. He hides the cat's body in the cellar wall but the murder is discovered thanks to the cat.
BY: NUR FAZLIN MOHD NAIM & friends
This was my group presentation for TSL 1064 Drama in English. This is a compulsory subject for all the TESL students in PPISMP Semester 2.
I hope by uploading this presentation, it will help the viewers especially for the TESL students from IPG.
This document provides background information on the playwright August Wilson and his play Fences. It discusses that Wilson was born in Pittsburgh and had a difficult childhood. He began writing plays set in Pittsburgh in the 1960s-1970s that focused on the African American experience. One of his most famous plays, Fences, is set in 1950s Pittsburgh and focuses on Troy Maxson, a black garbage collector, and the racial tensions of the time as he struggles to provide for his family.
Romance originated from myths involving knights and dragons and was first written in novels. One of the earliest and most famous romances was William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, written in the 1500s. Romance genres typically depict scenarios involving love at first sight, teen love, forbidden love, obsession, passionate love, sacrifice, and destructive love, often ending in tragedy or happily ever after. The genre aims to take audiences on an emotional journey by pulling on their heartstrings. While kissing was initially frowned upon in early films like the first kiss scene in 1896's "The Kiss," romance films have increasingly focused more on kissing and sexuality over time, which some view as losing the genre's original aspirational nature.
Themes and Settings in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William ShakespeareUmmanabiegh Ismail Jalla
A Midsummer Night's Dream is a comedy play by the legendary William Shakespeare. There are several themes and settings used in the play that are analyzed by the writer.
Richard Wright was an African American author born in 1908 in Mississippi. Some of his most famous works include the novel Native Son (1940) and the autobiography Black Boy (1945). Native Son tells the story of Bigger Thomas, a poor black man living in 1930s Chicago who commits murder. Bigger feels fear, stereotyping, and a lack of self-worth due to the racial prejudice he faces in society. Wright drew from his own experiences of growing up in the Jim Crow south and later joining the Communist party for the themes and characters in his writing.
The document discusses the concept of cheating in relationships and provides examples from television shows and movies that involve infidelity or affairs. It defines cheating as breaking the established rules of a romantic partnership, often through having a sexual or emotional relationship with someone other than one's spouse or significant other. The TV show "Cheaters" and movies "Fatal Attraction" and "The English Patient" are used to illustrate themes of deception, obsession, and the consequences that can arise from extramarital affairs. Accompanying discussion questions prompt views on forgiving infidelity and the potential dangers and outcomes of unfaithfulness.
This document provides a summary of William Shakespeare's play King Henry IV Part 1. It includes background information on the plot, characters, and historical context. The plot involves King Henry IV's plans to cleanse his conscience from usurping the throne being interrupted by a rebel uprising. His son, Prince Hal, is initially a drunkard but decides to join the army and defeat the rebels, gaining his father's respect. The main conflict is resolved when Prince Hal slays the rebel leader Hotspur in battle.
The document contrasts the representations of East (Egypt) and West (Rome) in Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra. Egypt is presented as a place of pleasure, indulgence and freedom of expression, where Antony embraces sensual delights. In contrast, Rome is depicted as strict, duty-bound and focused on politics and morality, with Caesar disapproving of Antony neglecting his responsibilities in Egypt. The document analyzes how Egypt and Rome come to embody feminine and masculine characteristics respectively, and how each civilization views itself and the other.
Briony Tallis is a 13-year-old girl with a talent for writing who lives in England in the 1930s. One evening, she witnesses a scene between her sister Cecilia and Robbie Turner, the son of the family housekeeper, and misunderstands their interaction. This leads Briony to falsely accuse Robbie of a crime. Years later, as an adult, Briony seeks atonement for her damaging accusation through her writing, though Cecilia and Robbie's fates cannot be changed. The novel explores the themes of love, class, guilt, forgiveness and the mistakes of youth that can ruin lives.
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare contains several important quotations that illustrate key themes in the play. The first quotation from the balcony scene portrays Romeo seeing Juliet as beautiful as the sun and transforming the night into day. The second famous quotation has Juliet asking why Romeo must be a Montague and deny his family name for her love. The third quotation is Mercutio's Queen Mab speech about dreams. The final quotation discusses Romeo and Juliet being star-crossed lovers destined to die as mentioned by the Chorus, Romeo declaring himself fortune's fool, and defying the stars by taking his own life.
Characterization of "I" in The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poefemirchm
The document provides an analysis of the characterization of the narrator "I" in Edgar Allan Poe's short story "The Tell-Tale Heart". It summarizes that "I" displays paranoid, stalking, and two-faced behaviors. After murdering the old man, "I" is described as cruel, sadistic, and clever in disposing of the body. However, "I" is ultimately revealed to be a liar and have a mental disorder through his inability to stop hearing the beating of the old man's heart, exposing the true nature of his personality.
Born- 1929 Died- 1993
Fluent in 5 languages- English, Kannada, Telugu, Sanskrit, Tamil
Awards- Sahitya Akademi for his collected poems
Themes- Indian culture, death, family
Held comprehensive knowledge of Indian Mythology
Influence of “Tamil Tradition”
Belief- True suffering, and sorrow brings out poetry
Othello by William Shakespeare, Notes, Quotes and Analysis by T. ScarsbrookTanyeliScarsbrook
I used this slide for my A level in English Language and Literature. It helped me a lot as I got an A as a result. I have analysed each act and scene, as well as Key notes and analysis of quotes. This took me a few months to make so I hope it helps some of you.
Documentation for the interdepartamental task 2015-16, "A Midsummer Night's Dream". IES Pedro Floriani, Redondela. Departements of Philosophy and English. School Library. 1st Bacharelato
The document summarizes key themes and techniques in Romeo and Juliet through quotations and analysis. The main themes discussed are:
1. Love is portrayed as a complex emotion that ultimately destroys Romeo and Juliet despite their families' hatred. Dynamic verbs and oxymorons like "loving hate" show love's complexity.
2. Fate vs free will is central, from the "star-crossed lovers" introduction to Romeo defying the stars. Symbolism of stars represents their destiny.
3. Friendship and enemies are explored through Juliet asking Romeo to reject his family and Romeo "feasting with mine enemy." Their love is stronger than family rivalry.
4
This document provides a detailed summary and analysis of Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice. It outlines the key plot points and characters, literary devices used, themes, and conflicts in the story. The novel is set in Regency-era England and follows the romantic lives and marriages of the Bennet sisters, centering around the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. The summary analyzes the characters, narrative perspective, symbolism, and social commentary within Austen's celebrated work.
The document summarizes a story about Miss Emily, an eccentric woman in her town. After her father's funeral, Miss Emily gets a boyfriend named Homer but buys poison out of fear he will leave her. Homer then disappears. The town suspects Miss Emily poisoned Homer since his body is found in her house many years later. The story explores the town's gossiping about Miss Emily and interference in her life, as well as symbols of death and taxes.
A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare is about four young Athenian lovers, their relationships, and the events that transpire in an enchanted forest. The play involves the intermingling storylines between the lovers, led astray by a mischievous fairy named Puck, and a group of amateur actors rehearsing in the same forest. Through magic and mistaken identities, the lovers endure romantic complications and misunderstandings before the play concludes with their relationships resolved and a humorous play-within-the-play performed for the married couples.
Hadj Ounis's most notable work is his sculpture titled "Metamorphosis." This piece showcases Ounis's mastery of form and texture, as he seamlessly combines metal and wood to create a dynamic and visually striking composition. The juxtaposition of the two materials creates a sense of tension and harmony, inviting viewers to contemplate the relationship between nature and industry.
This document announces the winners of the 2024 Youth Poster Contest organized by MATFORCE. It lists the grand prize and age category winners for grades K-6, 7-12, and individual age groups from 5 years old to 18 years old.
Fashionista Chic Couture Maze & Coloring Adventures is a coloring and activity book filled with many maze games and coloring activities designed to delight and engage young fashion enthusiasts. Each page offers a unique blend of fashion-themed mazes and stylish illustrations to color, inspiring creativity and problem-solving skills in children.
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1. Suicide Impulse in Romeo and Juliet.
William Shakespeare, in his play, Romeo and Juliet reveal his main theme as the
highest form of love. The play is meant to expound on the real meaning of love, and through
example, show that real love may result in desperate measures to maintain it. According to
Shakespeare, real love is the ideal emotion where lovers are ready to risk everything,
including their sense of being for love (Roberts, 2018). Shakespeare captures the ultimate
emotion in his final scene, where both Romeo and Juliet end their lives when they anticipate
they will never feel such a deep connection and powerful love ever. However, the suicidal
impulse presented in Romeo and Juliet does not portray the play's main theme of the highest
form of love but relates to the theme of desperate young love.
The desperate young love does not relate to the fact that the two lovers are in their
adolescents, but young since the lovers barely know each other since they only had a
relationship for a short period. Throughout the play, the two lovers Romeo and Juliet who
seem to be madly in love with each other only met on four occasions. The first occasion the
two main characters met is at the Capulet’s feast, where it is the first time they first set eyes
on one another. The second occasion is in front of Juliet’s window, and the third occasion is
at the secret garden where the two lovers wedded. The fourth and final occasion they met is at
Juliet’s bedroom, where they made love for the first time. Both Romeo and Juliet have fallen
in the highest form of love by the short conversations they had, and they both feel attracted to
each other right from the first time they met (Andrews, 2015). Despite their age where
Romeo is presented to be in his late teens, probably in the early twenties, and Juliet is
presented as a thirteen-year-old girl, they can be deemed to be exceptional people with
exceptional love.
The main theme in the play Romeo and Juliet is love and more importantly, the young
love of the two main characters. The powerful love of Romeo and Juliet has blinded them not
2. to oversee various concerns such as the differences between their families, the consequences
of their actions, and their true personalities. Their love can be deemed highly emotional, as
well as foolish and immature (Andrews, 2015). The level of immaturity and foolishness is
exposed by the decision to marry in secret only after meeting twice. Romeo and Juliet believe
the powerful love they have for each other will conquer all obstacles, and they are ready and
willing to die for each other.
As presented in act 1, scene 4, Juliet is ready to marry Romeo without even knowing
him. The level of immaturity in Juliet, who is thirteen years old is exposed since she is
prepared to kill herself if she cannot be married to Romeo and spend the rest of life with him
(Roberts, 2018). Considering this is the same night the two had met Juliet’s rash decision to
marry a lover she barely knows, his personality is not ideal. On the other hand, Romeo is
presented to be going through heartbreak. Romeo had unrequited love towards Rosalia, but
on meeting Juliet on the same night, he already claims to have eternal love for her. In act 1,
scene 5, Romeo is seen proclaiming love for Juliet in the best lines. However, the audience
perceives that if there were a more beautiful girl than Juliet, then Romeo would fall in love
again.
The decision both Romeo and Juliet make to marry in secret can be considered a rash
and emotionally driven. The decision proves the young love the two possess. Additionally,
their impulsive love shown throughout the play expounds on the suicidal impulse by both
lovers (Andrews, 2015). The young love they two lovers have, and the fact they are quite
young tend to control them instead of the consequences and reasons for the decisions they
make. Impulsive love is clearly outlined by the leaning of love both Romeo and Juliet
display.
The two lovers may be considered youths who met in vulnerable points of their lives
and were forcibly separated. Romeo was going through heartbreak by Rosaline and had gone
3. to the party with hopes of seeing her. However, he ends up stalking Juliet and falls in love
immediately. In his heartbreak, Romeo is presented to have suicidal thoughts where he
describes his life, “expire the term of a despised life" (Roberts, 2018). It is clear that Romeo
moves swiftly from lovesickness to infatuation.
On the other hand, Juliet, a thirteen-year-old virgin, is set to be forcefully married off
to an older man who she is set to meet at the party. However, she ends up having a quick
conversation with Romeo and ends up kissing passionately. The fact that Juliet is unaware
whether Romeo is married, she is already suicidal when she argues if Romeo is married, “My
grave is like to be my wedding bed" (Roberts, 2018). The events above show the relationship
despite love being involved it not a promising relationship.
Desperation is also a major concern to consider as the leading cause of the suicide impulse in
Romeo and Juliet. Romeo sneaks to Capulet compound only to overhear Juliet proclaim her
love for him. Despite the couple meeting the previous night, Romeo rushes to Friar Laurence
who agrees to wed the couple but is shocked by Romeo’s volatility. Laurence warns Romeo
to move slow and wisely since those who run fast often stumble. Trouble strikes again when
Tybalt kills one of Romeo's friends only for Romeo to revenge and kill him. The action leads
to the banishing of Romeo by the Prince of Verona (Andrews, 2015). The banishing comes
before Romeo and Juliet had consummated in the marriage. News of Romeo banishment
reaches Juliet, and she falls into pieces. Juliet again is suicidal due to desperation after
contemplating life without Romeo. Romeo, on the other hand, shares the same sentiments
claiming life without the Verona walls is like being in hell and is an exile to death.
Notably, Romeo and Juliet were responsible for their deaths. The two were mere
adolescents who were not fully developed. Both Romeo and Juliet allowed emotions to take
over and cloud their judgment. The couple who are presented to be madly in love seems not
to care about anything else apart from being together (Jane, 2017). It was their choice to take
4. their lives since they could not be together. Romeo is guilty of making rash decisions from
wanting Rosaline to fall in love with Juliet and pushing for marriage immediately. Romeo is
not considerate and takes death as an option to the love affair problems. Juliet, on the other
hand, is guilty of rushing to marriage, as presented in act 2, scene 2. Juliet being a young girl,
could be patient and consider knowing Romeo personality rather than rush into marriage.
In a nutshell, suicide is a topic young youth should be engaged. According to Shakespeare
self-destructive tendency, as presented in Romeo and Juliet is a separate issue. However,
young love is attributed to suicidal impulse, especially when the lovers are naïve on the
decisions they make. It is evident suicidal impulse in Romeo and Juliet is attributed to young
love, desperation, and poor decision making. In the modern world, for instance, young love
has been linked to suicidal impulse due to young people suffering from depression (Jane,
2017). Romeo and Juliet, all the same, yielded power in their death. Their death leads to
positivity in the community, and their love will be remembered. The death tragedy is not the
only way they could be together if only they had considered a different path. The death of the
two lovers, therefore, is not justifiable. The play ending with both lovers dead holding arms
proves that suicide is not the answer. In addition, suicide was always a choice for the couple
when things were not working, which should not be the case. Shakespeare’s story is a great
story to communicate to the youth that suicide is not a choice in a struggling relationship.
Lastly, the modern world can borrow from the story that a struggling relationship should seek
better avenues to solve the problems rather than consider suicide.
5. References
Andrews, J. F. (2015). Romeo and Juliet: Critical Essays. Routledge.
Jane, Z. (2017). Narrative therapy: A pathway from Romeo and Juliet into student
lives. Metaphor, (2), 30.
Roberts, S. (2018). Romeo and Juliet. Oxford University Press.