In the play Romeo and Juliet darkness, death and sorrow are certainly present and often dominant at certain times throughout the story. However, these more negative aspects are not the focus of the whole play as there are many positive elements that also dominate in certain parts. Some of these positive elements that Shakespeare explores include love, comedy, friendship and courage. These positive elements are also as equally powerful in the play's overall theme as the more tragic elements.

The theme of love in the story is exemplified by the adjectives powerful, positive, exclusive, strong, lasting, impulsive. It is a powerful love by the fact that it overcomes the immense family forces working to keep Romeo and Juliet apart. It is also a positive love because it is based upon the expectation by Romeo and Juliet of a happy and lasting life together. Their love is certainly exclusive as it totally focussed on each other, to the total exclusion of everyone else, including their friends and families. While their love is relatively short, it is strong and lasting and endures the remainder of their short lives.

The element of courage is one of the strongest themes in the play. This theme is present in all the actions of extreme bravery and commitment displayed by the characters. This is clearly one of the most positive aspects of both Romeo and Juliet's love and is the basis for Romeo and Juliet's friendships and relationships with other characters in the play.

Courage and extreme selflessness for the sake of a friend is displayed by Romeo in Act 3 Scene 1. This is the scene where Tybalt kills Mercutio. Romeo who is outraged that his friend has been 'slain', challenges Tybalt to a duel stating that 'either thou or I, or both, must go with... Mercutio's soul (up to heaven)... to keep him company.' This challenge eventuates in Tybalt's death at 'Romeo's hand' and ultimately Romeo's banishment from Verona. This act of courage and loyalty results in Romeo sacrificing all the privileges of his life for a friend.

Their love is also based on impulse. Both Romeo and Juliet fell in love quickly and acted on their love without hesitation. This is one of the engaging and positive aspects of the play in that an impulsive love can be so strong despite the forces working against them.

While the mor

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