(Thesis) In the play Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare employs the motif of religious symbols to imply that love primarily compels the lovers to marry. (CM1) Initially, many readers believe that lust controls the relationship between Romeo and Juliet; however, Shakespeare provides solid evidence that they truly care about each other. (CD1) Particularly, Shakespeare uses a love sonnet to convey the romance, as Romeo claims to Juliet: “If I profane with my unworthiest hand / This holy shrine, the gentle fine is this: / My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand / To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss” (I.v.91-94). (CM1.5) Thus, though his courtship has just begun, Romeo metaphorically convinces Juliet that even the holy Church (maybe Friar Lawrence in this sense) would approve of their romance, only if she, a saint’s statue, consents him to patronize her with “a tender kiss.” (CM2) Similarly, Romeo usually envisions Juliet’s beauty as pure radiance, indicating an indescribable aura that only pure love reveals.
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for thou art / As glorious to this night, being o'er my head / As is a winged messenger of heaven / Unto the white-upturned wondering eyes” (II.ii.26-29). (CM2.5) Moreover, Shakespeare associates Juliet’s radiance with the sun and even a lantern, thus hinting an affinity to the light of holiness and God over the darkness of the series of tragic events impacting the lovers. (CM3) Finally, Shakespeare implies that the deaths of Romeo and Juliet represent a symbolic martyrdom to appease their families’ quarrels, as he vividly demonstrates in the graveyard scene at the end of the play. (CD3) During that scene, the Prince soberly declares to Lords Montague and Capulet, “Heaven finds means to kill your joys with love,” blaming that their enmity results in severe consequences
for thou art / As glorious to this night, being o'er my head / As is a winged messenger of heaven / Unto the white-upturned wondering eyes” (II.ii.26-29). (CM2.5) Moreover, Shakespeare associates Juliet’s radiance with the sun and even a lantern, thus hinting an affinity to the light of holiness and God over the darkness of the series of tragic events impacting the lovers. (CM3) Finally, Shakespeare implies that the deaths of Romeo and Juliet represent a symbolic martyrdom to appease their families’ quarrels, as he vividly demonstrates in the graveyard scene at the end of the play. (CD3) During that scene, the Prince soberly declares to Lords Montague and Capulet, “Heaven finds means to kill your joys with love,” blaming that their enmity results in severe consequences