Romeo and Juliet: A Lasting Tragedy
A famous song says, “You were Romeo you were throwing pebbles and my daddy said stay away from Juliet” These are lyrics from the 2008 Taylor Swift song, “Love Story”. They show that Romeo and Juliet, a play written in 1595, has proven its longevity for over 400 years. It is a story even kids know from a young age. Romeo and Juliet has lasted throughout the decades because of the events, themes, and the power of the story.
Firstly, the work has endured time because of the events. Shakespeare includes memorable scenes that last in one’s memory. For example, the sequence on the balcony is one of the most recognized from the story. Juliet calls, “Romeo, Romeo, where for art thou Romeo?” (Shakespeare 700 l 33). …show more content…
It shows a message that remains after reading it. One lesson it teaches is that life is a battle of fate versus coincidence. Romeo says, “I am fortune’s fool!” (Shakespeare 724 l 132). after he kills Tybalt. This shows that he believes it is fate which causes his mishaps. This makes the reader reflect on their own life and ponder over the everyday events they encounter, because they want to figure out what their life’s meaning is. Another lesson to be learned from Romeo and Juliet is that brutal fighting can make a person lose what they love. The feud between the families causes immense heartbreak and sorrow. The members of each family go to extremes to defend their name and end up in situations for which they did not plan. Both of these are powerful themes that stick and give the play its …show more content…
It is so far off from normal life that one cannot help but remember it. An example of a powerful scene is when Tybalt, a member of the Capulets, kills Mercutio, a member of the Montagues, and Romeo kills Tybalt. The two men die less than a half an hour apart. It happens so quickly and seems so overdone that one is shocked by it. This makes a reader pay attention because of the quickly moving plot. Also, the scene in which Romeo kills himself is also very notable. When Romeo drinks the poison he says, “Here’s to my love! O true apothecary / Thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die.” (Shakespeare 768 ll 119-120). The reader knows Juliet is not dead and that Romeo kills himself for essentially no reason. This frustrates the reader because they know they shouldn’t have died. In essence, when finished reading, one will think of how uncontrollable the plot of the story is. The events are so unbelievable that it is almost endearing.
In summary, Romeo and Juliet is a story that seems to live on forever. It has so much staying power because of its scenes, its lessons, and the pure chaos of the plot. The story persistently proves its lasting power throughout the many years since it was written. It will continue to be read by high school students and literature lovers alike. Its essence will inspire romance in the modern age and live on in reader’s hearts
A famous song says, “You were Romeo you were throwing pebbles and my daddy said stay away from Juliet” These are lyrics from the 2008 Taylor Swift song, “Love Story”. They show that Romeo and Juliet, a play written in 1595, has proven its longevity for over 400 years. It is a story even kids know from a young age. Romeo and Juliet has lasted throughout the decades because of the events, themes, and the power of the story.
Firstly, the work has endured time because of the events. Shakespeare includes memorable scenes that last in one’s memory. For example, the sequence on the balcony is one of the most recognized from the story. Juliet calls, “Romeo, Romeo, where for art thou Romeo?” (Shakespeare 700 l 33). …show more content…
It shows a message that remains after reading it. One lesson it teaches is that life is a battle of fate versus coincidence. Romeo says, “I am fortune’s fool!” (Shakespeare 724 l 132). after he kills Tybalt. This shows that he believes it is fate which causes his mishaps. This makes the reader reflect on their own life and ponder over the everyday events they encounter, because they want to figure out what their life’s meaning is. Another lesson to be learned from Romeo and Juliet is that brutal fighting can make a person lose what they love. The feud between the families causes immense heartbreak and sorrow. The members of each family go to extremes to defend their name and end up in situations for which they did not plan. Both of these are powerful themes that stick and give the play its …show more content…
It is so far off from normal life that one cannot help but remember it. An example of a powerful scene is when Tybalt, a member of the Capulets, kills Mercutio, a member of the Montagues, and Romeo kills Tybalt. The two men die less than a half an hour apart. It happens so quickly and seems so overdone that one is shocked by it. This makes a reader pay attention because of the quickly moving plot. Also, the scene in which Romeo kills himself is also very notable. When Romeo drinks the poison he says, “Here’s to my love! O true apothecary / Thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die.” (Shakespeare 768 ll 119-120). The reader knows Juliet is not dead and that Romeo kills himself for essentially no reason. This frustrates the reader because they know they shouldn’t have died. In essence, when finished reading, one will think of how uncontrollable the plot of the story is. The events are so unbelievable that it is almost endearing.
In summary, Romeo and Juliet is a story that seems to live on forever. It has so much staying power because of its scenes, its lessons, and the pure chaos of the plot. The story persistently proves its lasting power throughout the many years since it was written. It will continue to be read by high school students and literature lovers alike. Its essence will inspire romance in the modern age and live on in reader’s hearts