“Romeo and Juliet” almost speaks for itself. However, in keeping with the other articles on Book Analysis, we will try and review it honestly. (As honest as can be from a self-proclaimed Shakespeare fanboy!)
It is well known that Shakespeare borrowed plot ideas liberally from ancient Greek plays. However, with Romeo and Juliet, he broke new ground. Of course, it wasn’t the first tragedy but the first to use love as the hero’s fatal flaw. Until this point, we had seen love in plays, but usually in comedy. It was considered not severe enough to warrant being a factor in a tragedy. The impact of this has shaped culture immeasurably.
But is the plot any good? It is not his most complex, and there are no multiple side plots. However, it is such a good story. It is timeless and has been borrowed and liberally ripped off for centuries. Personally, it is one of my favorites.
The central themes in “Romeo and Juliet” include love, fate, and conflict. The play’s exploration of love is multifaceted, encompassing the passionate and often irrational nature of young love and the destructive force of love that defies societal boundaries. The intense love between Romeo and Juliet challenges the longstanding feud between their families, symbolizing love’s ability to transcend hatred. However, the play also reveals the darker side of love, where impulsiveness and unchecked emotions can lead to tragedy.
Fate plays a crucial role, as the lovers are described as “star-crossed,” suggesting that their tragic end is predestined. Shakespeare weaves fate into the story’s fabric, using a series of unfortunate events to highlight the inevitability of the lovers’ demise. Conflict is omnipresent, not only between the Montagues and Capulets but also within the characters themselves as they grapple with their desires versus their obligations to family and society. This theme serves as a critique of societal structures that perpetuate violence and hatred, ultimately leading to unnecessary suffering.
Youth and impulsiveness are also key themes, as Romeo and Juliet’s headstrong nature and rash decisions are shown as both a source of their deep love and the cause of their downfall. The play contrasts youth’s passionate but often reckless nature of youth with the more measured actions of older characters and illustrates how intense emotions can inspire and destroy.
Shakespeare’s characters in “Romeo and Juliet” are richly developed, each contributing to the unfolding tragedy. Romeo is portrayed as passionate and impulsive, driven by his emotions. Juliet, though young, exhibits remarkable maturity and resolve, particularly in her willingness to defy her family for the sake of love. The supporting characters, such as Mercutio, Tybalt, and the Nurse, add depth and complexity to the narrative. Mercutio’s wit and cynicism contrast with Romeo’s romantic idealism, while Tybalt’s fiery temper escalates the central conflict. The Nurse provides a maternal figure for Juliet, though her pragmatic view of love ultimately clashes with Juliet’s idealism.
It is not as straightforward to show characters in a play. Often, the actors themselves help bring a text to life. However, having done some amateur theatre, I can categorically say that with a dull script, the talent of the actors is irrelevant. That is not an issue here. There is a range of characters, and they all feel distinct from one another.
We see a range of motivations and people adapting their behavior to suit their situation. Take for instance the character Lord Capulet who is defensive about the idea of Juliet marrying given her age. However, in the wake of Tybalt’s death and facing her showing a rebellious side, he transforms completely appearing to threaten violence against her.
There is no doubt that Shakespeare was a master of his craft. So much of what he has written has shaped and bled into modern society. He consistently did beautifully using speech patterns to denote class or changes in status. Or, in the case of Romeo and Juliet, to signify love. You know how they say when people are in love, they “complete one another.” Shakespeare subconsciously shows us that. When Romeo and Juliet first talk to one another, their words form a perfect Shakespearean sonnet. Isn’t that beautiful? Beyond that, you see the subtle difference between how Romeo describes Juliet and Rosaline.
His metaphors are all about war and misery, with Rosaline signifying his inner turmoil. His imagery, when describing Juliet, draws on religion and light. These skills, combined with the masterful use of foreshadowing and the beautifully crafted witty exchanges between Romeo and Mercutio, prove just how good the bard was.
The structure of “Romeo and Juliet” is tight and well-paced, with the action unfolding rapidly over just a few days. The play is divided into five acts, each escalating the tension and driving the plot toward its inevitable conclusion. The pacing is deliberate, with moments of intense drama balanced by scenes of fun and reflection. This careful balance keeps the audience engaged and heightens the emotional impact of the tragedy.
The play is set in Verona, Italy, during the Renaissance. The vibrant yet divided city serves as a backdrop for the intense drama of the play. The setting plays a significant role in shaping the characters’ actions and the story’s outcome, with the city’s streets, marketplaces, and grand houses contributing to tension and conflict. Verona, as depicted by Shakespeare, is a place where honor and family loyalty are paramount, creating a world where love is often overshadowed by violence and hostility.
There are many pros to Shakespeare’s superb play. The themes of love, fate, and conflict that it explores are universal, making the play relevant to audiences across generations. Also, Shakespeare’s characters are complex and relatable, each contributing to the play’s emotional depth and dramatic tension. Another fine point is the play’s language, which is both beautiful and powerful, showing Shakespeare’s genius with words and his ability to share deep emotions.
While there are many reasons to love the play, there are a few shortcomings. The first is its predictability. Given its iconic status, the plot of “Romeo and Juliet” is well-known, which might lessen the impact for some readers. But this is no inherent fault of the work. Another is the impulsiveness of the characters, particularly Romeo and Juliet, which can sometimes feel frustrating and contrived, though it is essential to the tragedy. Another fault of the work is that the plot is generally incredible, each twist a little more unbelievable than the last.
However, I do not believe you can extend that critique to Shakespeare’s works. He was ahead of his time regarding the issues he was tackling. He also consistently displayed a masterful use of language and was as good at turning a phrase as anyone who picked up a quill or sat before a typewriter. So, while I display a certain degree of bias towards Shakespeare, I still believe that “Romeo and Juliet” is an absolute masterpiece.
This is a slightly more complex question to answer than you might expect. Yes, Shakespeare was a phenomenal writer but not an author. You can read his works and get enjoyment from them, but honestly, to see them brought to life, I’d recommend going to the theatre and seeing them performed, and if you can’t bring yourself to do that, watch one of the movie’s adaptations. So yes, by all means, read it. But if you ever get to see it performed, do that! Especially if it is done by somebody who does it well, like the RSC in the UK.
Romeo and Juliet: Still as relevant today as it was in its day
Book Title: Romeo and Juliet
Book Description: Shakespeare's famous tale of two star-crossed lovers.
Book Author: William Shakespeare
Book Edition: Norton Critical Edition
Book Format: Paperback
Publisher - Organization: Folger Shakespeare Library
Date published: March 1, 2004
ISBN: 978-0-393-91402-5
Number Of Pages: 320
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Story
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Characters
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Setting
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Writing style
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Dialogue
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Conclusion
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Lasting effect on reader
Romeo and Juliet Review
Shakespeare creates an absolute masterpiece here with his groundbreaking ideas underpinned by his legendary writing skills.
Pros
- Impeccable use of language
- Iconic story
- Timeless
Cons
- The music scene near the climax is dated
- Some of the humour is lost on a modern audience
- Language can be tricky to understand
