Confliction through Antithesis
“Laughter and weeping, the Greek masks of comedy and tragedy, mark the extremes of a continuous spectrum; both provide channels for the overflow of emotion; both are "luxury reflexes" without apparent utility. This much they have in common; in every other respect they are direct opposites.” (Arthur Koestler). Arthur Koestler analyzes how opposite emotions and antithesis are a never ending cycle, and they are connected, even when they seem totally different. An antithesis or duality is the use of a word or sentence being placed against another to form a balanced contrast. Extreme antithesis can trigger an overflow of emotion and they are automatic reflexes of the human mind. Antithesis is a huge part of Shakespeare’s …show more content…
Juliet expresses her conflict after discovering that Romeo is a Montague: “My only love hath sprung from my only hate! Too early seen unknown, and known too late!” (I.v.138-141) Upon seeing Romeo at the party, she did not recognize him as a Montague and fell in love instantly. Juliet is at odds with herself because Romeo is her first and only love, and the only thing that she hates are the Montagues. Like Juliet, Romeo experiences an emotional war when he is desperately in love with the Chaste Roseline. Romeo describes his situation, “O brawling love, O loving hate” (I.i.165). Romeo’s love is “brawling” because it causes him to be depressed and hate life. However, his “hate” of his situation is “loving” because he continues to have feelings for Roseline even though she does not return them. After Romeo stabs Tybalt, a grieving Juliet exclaims, “Beautiful Tyrant, fiend Angelical!” (III.ii.75) Juliet is trying to decide whether to love or hate Romeo. On one hand, he is her husband, but also he stabbed her beloved Tybalt. Juliet argues with herself over whether she should mourn her cousin’s death, or be relieved that Romeo wasn’t hurt. Love and hate fuel the constant battle of emotions within the minds of the
“Laughter and weeping, the Greek masks of comedy and tragedy, mark the extremes of a continuous spectrum; both provide channels for the overflow of emotion; both are "luxury reflexes" without apparent utility. This much they have in common; in every other respect they are direct opposites.” (Arthur Koestler). Arthur Koestler analyzes how opposite emotions and antithesis are a never ending cycle, and they are connected, even when they seem totally different. An antithesis or duality is the use of a word or sentence being placed against another to form a balanced contrast. Extreme antithesis can trigger an overflow of emotion and they are automatic reflexes of the human mind. Antithesis is a huge part of Shakespeare’s …show more content…
Juliet expresses her conflict after discovering that Romeo is a Montague: “My only love hath sprung from my only hate! Too early seen unknown, and known too late!” (I.v.138-141) Upon seeing Romeo at the party, she did not recognize him as a Montague and fell in love instantly. Juliet is at odds with herself because Romeo is her first and only love, and the only thing that she hates are the Montagues. Like Juliet, Romeo experiences an emotional war when he is desperately in love with the Chaste Roseline. Romeo describes his situation, “O brawling love, O loving hate” (I.i.165). Romeo’s love is “brawling” because it causes him to be depressed and hate life. However, his “hate” of his situation is “loving” because he continues to have feelings for Roseline even though she does not return them. After Romeo stabs Tybalt, a grieving Juliet exclaims, “Beautiful Tyrant, fiend Angelical!” (III.ii.75) Juliet is trying to decide whether to love or hate Romeo. On one hand, he is her husband, but also he stabbed her beloved Tybalt. Juliet argues with herself over whether she should mourn her cousin’s death, or be relieved that Romeo wasn’t hurt. Love and hate fuel the constant battle of emotions within the minds of the