EDITED R&J FINAL ASSIGNMENT

Romeo and Juliet Final Assignment

Question 3- How does the character (Romeo) develop and change in the story? What theme or message is shown through these changes?

            Sometimes love changes us and makes us into a different person we once were. This was the case in William Shakespeare’s play- Romeo and Juliet written in the 16^th century. Romeo, one of the main characters, meets his soul mate Juliet, and instantly transforms into a new person. He was gloomy at the beginning of the book, but as he met Juliet he suddenly became elated and peaceful. When Juliet “dies” Romeo becomes angry, furious and of course sad. Romeo develops throughout the story going from heart broken and in grief, to happy and joyful, to finally devastated as he could no longer see his love until the day she “passes away”.

            Romeo started off being troubled, heartbroken and even depressed. At the time he loved Rosaline who rejected him, which left poor Romeo abandoned and unloved. Romeo would walk around the streets as hours felt long. He felt that no other girl could replace Rosaline’s beauty and he would be alone for the rest of his life. Romeo confesses to Benvolio, “A sick man in sadness makes his will- / A word ill urged to one that is so ill. / In sadness, cousin, I do love a women.” (1.1. 210-213). The text evidence shows that Romeo feels like a “sick man in sadness”. He is so depressed that he feels ill because of the woman he loves.

            After his sad period, Romeo has a sudden change of heart when he meets Juliet, the love of his life. When Romeo saw Juliet and she saw him, it was love at first sight. They were made for each other. For example, as soon as Romeo saw Juliet he professes, “If I profane with my unworthiest hand / This holy shrine, the gentle sin is this: / My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand / To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss.” (1.5. 93-96) This quotation expresses how Romeo came to the Capulet’s party sad, and as soon as he saw Juliet brightness just filled Romeo’s head. Romeo spontaneously forgets his sad emotions and becomes the happiest man alive. He becomes joyful and peppy as he found his soul mate and marries her. For example Romeo says, “Amen, amen. But come what sorrow can, / It cannot countervail the exchange of joy / That one short minute gives me in her sight.” (2.6. 3-5). Romeo is so deeply in love with Juliet that in one short minute he gets so much happiness and joy from just looking at her. He would do anything in the world to stay forever with Juliet.

            Finally towards the end of the play, Romeo gets banished from Verona, therefore unable to see his loved one. Already he feels troubled because of that. But on top, when Balthasar comes to Romeo and tells him Juliet is dead (Romeo was unaware that Juliet was alive but paralyzed with a potion- faking her death) Romeo become furious, angry and sad at the same time. He is devastated with the situation. The one girl that made him joyful is no longer alive. Romeo transforms into something more than sadness- revenge. For example when Romeo just finds out about Juliet’s situation, he screams at Balthasar, “Is it e’en so?- Then I defy you, stars!- / Thou knowest my lodging. Get me ink and paper, / And hire post-horses. I will hence tonight.”(5.1. 25-27). This clearly states that Romeo is mad at the world, for taking Juliet. It also shows that Romeo wants to avenge Juliet’s death, therefore leading to senseless actions like killing himself but also Paris. Because Juliet is dead, Romeo feels the need to die as consequence.

            Romeo changes extremely throughout the story. At first he is somber because Rosaline does not accept is love. Then Romeo meets Juliet and immediately becomes happy and excited with the world. Every minute he sees Juliet is the best in his life. But like they say every day has its dark, and after Romeo is banished and thinks Juliet is dead he becomes sad, angry and ferocious towards the world. Romeo should have cried out when Balthasar told him and waited a bit before doing anything irrational, but if you find a soul mate perhaps feelings get more attached. Romeo finally feels complete when he sees Juliet compared to Rosaline. But Romeo should have done a more mature decision like learn to control himself. At their young age, Romeo and Juliet should have slowed things out before rushing into marriage, but possibly early marriage was common at the time. Romeo was sad, happy, and angry but how did Romeo feel just before death?