Dissention Of Love And Sexuality In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

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Dissenting voices within Literature offer us challenges to existing values and beliefs within society. Romeo and Juliet, composed by William Shakespeare, is a poignant play which reflects on the defiance of a young individual against society’s boundaries. Shakespeare emphasises on the concept of love and sexuality throughout the play, as the principles of society obstructs the ability to experience a true and tender love. Furthermore, the play signifies the idea of searching for a genuine identity; as often, society’s constructions oppose one’s true self. Through the voice of Juliet within the play, the audience captures her change in character and beliefs as she confronts the implications of her society. Likewise, the novel, The Catcher in …show more content…
This idea especially resonates in the tragic love between Romeo and Juliet. As the daughter of the proud Capulets, Juliet has distinguished love as a business arrangement that determines her social and financial status. Juliet has wealth and power bestowed to her, and yet, she seeks satisfaction within Romeo. It is love that coerces Juliet to dissent, as she has never been exposed to the raw and pure type of love that she experiences with Romeo. Juliet’s love is so strong that she is willing to make sacrifices in order to be together. This is particularly demonstrated in Act 2.2, when Juliet performs a poetic soliloquy exclaiming, “O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name. Or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love. And I 'll no longer be a Capulet”, suggesting that even if Romeo refuses to sacrifice his status she is willing to forfeit her own. Holden, in contrast to Juliet cannot achieve a sense of emotional or physical intimacy as he is shrouded by his obsession of innocence. Holden speaks fondly of his childhood memories of Jane, however, he seems uncomfortable at the thought of Jane becoming a woman and having sexual relations. He has idealised Jane as the young, pure girl he used to play checkers with; hence, he delays his plans of finally calling her. Both characters experience forms of love and intimacy that continue to shape their view of the

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