Lessons in Love
When people think of, or discuss, the play Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare, love probably first comes to their mind and surfaces in their discussion. Love, however, can represent different things to different people. Love, like fire, can be either purifying or destructive. In this play, Shakespeare does not limit himself to only one type of love, but shows both the dangers and benefits of various degrees of emotional relationships. If one closely examines this play, he demonstrates three main patterns of love: friendship, compassion, and passion. He creatively uses these three patterns to show that love can be prevalent in any circumstance. One of the main characters, Benvolio, best portrays love through his many friendships. When violence becomes prevalent in the story, Benvolio watches out for his friends and relatives, always encouraging peace as an alternative to combat. He speaks against fighting by saying, "I pray thee, good Mercutio, let's retire. / The day is hot, the Capels are abroad, / And, if we meet, we shall not 'scape a brawl," (Act III, Scene 1, lines 1-3). Another way Benvolio shows his concern, as an element of his lo
Shakespeare demonstrates another type of love, compassion, through the resolve of an ongoing feud between the Capulets and Montagues. All citizens in the town of Verona knew well the hated between these houses. Tybalt personifies the hatred between these families. He, always ready for a fight, shows constant violence, leading him to accidentally kill Mercutio. In his last minutes, Mercutio realizes the immaturity of the families' feuds, screaming, "A plague o' both your houses!" (Act III, Scene I, line 90). In recognizing the fact that he was no better than the Capulets, Mercutio shows compassion by proclaiming a curse not only on his enemy's family, but also onto his own friend's household. As a fire provides light for one's path, a compassionate heart helps one see situations through others' eyes. ve and friendship for Romeo, comes through his wise counsel. When Romeo, distraught over Rosaline, a girl he thinks he loves, comes to Benvolio, he provides excellent advice to Romeo, saying, "Compare her face with some that I shall show, / And I will make thee think thy swan a crow." (Act I, Scene 2, lines 88-89). Benvolio's response shows a devo
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Approximate Word count = 782
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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