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Throughout time, the story of Romeo and Juliet has certainly proved to withhold eternal appeal. Originating as an Italian poem, which was later translated into English and French, many historical and contemporary writers, inspired by the elaborate story, composed reworks of their own interpretation. One such rework, written by William Shakespeare (1564-1616), has long been the most sought-after version of the story since his time. Today, Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet has endlessly been retold throughout many generations, ethnic groups and audiences. In the analysis of three key episodes from the story, this essay will investigate the methods Shakespeare undertakes to shape the audience's responses in Romeo and Juliet, and attempt to establish a connection explaining why these responses make Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet a story with eternal appeal.
The first episode which will be analysed, is the opening section of Act , Scene ; Friar Lawrence's speech (II, iii, 1-0). In his speech, Friar Lawrence constantly includes the juxtaposition of words that are antithetical in nature, with each antithetical pair in a rhyming couplet
(A) The earth that's nature's mother is her tomb;
(A) What is her burying grave, that is her womb;
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(II, iii, -10)
(B) The grey-eyed morn smiles on the frowning night,
(B) Check'ring the eastern clouds with streaks of light;
(II, iii, 1-)
There are many possible explanations for why Shakespeare may have composed Friar Lawrence's speech in this way. His use of rhyming antitheses alludes to the presence of a balancing force in the story. Just as every negative word (tomb, night) in Friar Lawrence's speech is balanced with a positive word (womb, light), many phrases, circumstances and incidents in Romeo and Juliet include similar atmospheric contrasts
Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health,
Still-waking sleep, what is not what it is!
(I, i, 171-17)
- Contrasts are found in Romeo's use of oxymorons and the juxtaposition of certain words.
If they do see thee, they will murder thee.
(II, ii, 70)
- In this incident, the romantic encounter between Romeo and Juliet is contrasted by the harsh reality of Romeo's death if he is found on Capulet's grounds. Similarly, the love between Romeo and Juliet is constantly placed in a contrasting, hateful context throughout the play.
Sampson …when I have fought with the men, I will be civil with the maids; I will cut off their heads.
Gregory The heads of the maids?
Samson Ay, the heads of the maids, or their maidenheads, take it in what sense thou wilt.
Gregory They must take it in sense that feel it.
Sampson Me they shall feel while I am able to stand, and 'tis known I am a pretty piece of flesh.
(I, i, 18-6)
- Capulet's servants make use of puns to joke about sex, an act of supposed reverence and veneration, using language which is contrarily, aggressive and violent.
Shakespeare's inclusion of these allusions in Friar Lawrence's speech somehow imparts a feeling of anticipation within the audience. In this way, Shakespeare shapes the audience's response, in that as more similar allusions are made, the more eager the audience becomes for the resolution of the story; the outcome of the innumerable conflicts which abound in the play. With this added feeling of suspense in the story, Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is further assisted in its quest for eternal appeal.
Another reason why Shakespeare may have used rhyming antitheses in Friar Lawrence's speech, is to allow for further different interpretations of the play. As Friar Lawrence makes use of these antitheses, he introduces ideas and themes which connote differently to the audience (i.e. womb vs tomb), possibly influencing them to interpret the play in different ways. Evidence of the possible different interpretations of the play, can be realised when attempting to explain the reason for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet
It is my lady, O it is my love
(II, ii, 10)
- It could be said that it was the passion that existed between Romeo and Juliet that caused their deaths.
…peace? I hate the word,
As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee.
(I, i, 5-60)
- However, it could also be argued that the hate of the feud between their families was to blame.
O writ with me in sour misfortune's book!
(V, iii, 8)
- Perhaps fate may have destined them to die.
Whose misadventured piteous overthrows
(Prologue, 7)
- It may have been mere chance.
All of these statements are completely valid interpretations of the story, and none of them can be proven false. Therefore, with Shakespeare's success in giving the story of Romeo and Juliet a wider range of meanings, thus shaping the audience's response in many different ways, the story is able to be broadened in its intricacy - eternally appealing to a larger audience.
The second episode which will be analysed, is the middle section of Act , Scene ; the encounter between Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 6-6). The dialogue that takes place in this section clearly identifies the contrasting identities between the two lovers
Juliet How cam'st thou hither, tell me, and wherefore?
The orchard walls are high and hard to climb;
And the place death, considering who thou art,
If any of my kinsmen find thee here.
(II, ii, 6-65)
- Juliet is concerned for Romeo in a practical 'down-to-earth' manner.
Romeo With love's light wings did I o'erperch these walls,
For stony limits cannot hold love out,
And what love can do, that dares love attempt;
Therefore thy kinsmen are no stop to me.
(II, ii, 66-6)
- Romeo replies to Juliet in an indirect way, which is impractical, fantastic and perhaps condescending to Juliet.
Another contrast that can be found in the characters of Romeo and Juliet, can be seen in the types of love that they experience
Juliet 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.
(II, ii, -6)
- Juliet loudly expresses her love for Romeo without the knowledge of his presence. The audience is therefore conveyed with the message that the love which Juliet feels is true love, which wasn't intended to be announced, or meticulously prepared for a listening audience.
Romeo Nor ope her lap to saint-seducing gold.
(I, i, 05)
- In contrast, Romeo's supposed feelings of love may in fact be lust.
Shakespeare may have created these differences in the characters of Romeo and Juliet, to explore the theme of love through different perspectives. Shakespeare presents Juliet's love for Romeo as true and genuine, and relates it to her character of practicality and earthly concern. Then in contrast, Romeo's experiences of love is presented to be infatuation and lust at its core, with relation to his fantastic and embellished ways of speech. Shakespeare elaborates on these different perspectives of love, in an attempt to relate to the whole audience. Shakespeare continually tries to shape the audience's response in the play, to that of familiarity, exploring characteristics which are analogical to those present in today's society. As a result, the story is able to become more universal, and eternally appealing.
The third episode which will be analysed, is the middle section of Act 5, Scene ; the combat between Romeo and Paris (V, iii, 4-87). During this combat, Romeo is unaware that his opponent is Paris until he has finally killed him
… Let me peruse this face.
Mercutio's kinsman, noble Country Paris!
(V, iii, 74-75)
Shakespeare has purposely designed the plot so that Romeo would not know his aggressor until after he is killed, in order to keep Romeo's character innocent, and under good light. Since Paris has never been presented as an antagonist in the play, the audience may in fact sympathise for Paris at the event of his death, perhaps leading to the appearance of demoralisation in the character of his slayer, Romeo. To prevent this possible response from the audience, Shakespeare brings Romeo to a state of ignorance, in the hope that the audience's response will be shaped to maintain their sympathy and benevolent views of him. He does this with the realisation that it is important for Romeo to continually be seen as a protagonist in the play, so that there continues to be an appreciation of the love that he shares for Juliet. Without this appreciation, the whole story of Romeo and Juliet becomes meaningless and uninspiring; attitudes counter-productive to it's eternal appeal.
In conclusion, Shakespeare's wide-ranging uses of language techniques, themes and intricately devised plots, have all contributed to a masterpiece of clever proficiency and competence. Through the story of Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare has been able to shape his audience's responses, to that of anticipation, differentiation, familiarity and continued sympathy, in the orchestration of a story with eternal appeal.
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