Literary Works That Shape Our World: A Critical Analysis - Sykalo Evgen 2023

Analysis of “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare

The historical context of the play

Romeo and Juliet was written in the late 1590s and first performed in 1597. This was during the Elizabethan era, a time of great change and upheaval in England. Queen Elizabeth I had been on the throne for over 40 years, and the country was experiencing a period of relative peace and prosperity. However, there were also tensions between Catholics and Protestants, and England was engaged in a number of wars with other European powers.

The Elizabethan era was also a time of great cultural flourishing. Shakespeare was one of many talented writers and artists who worked during this time. Elizabethan audiences were fascinated by stories of love, adventure, and tragedy, and Shakespeare's plays were immensely popular.

The Elizabethan era influenced Shakespeare's writing in a number of ways. For example, Shakespeare's plays often reflect the political and social tensions of the time. Romeo and Juliet, for example, explores the theme of family rivalry, which was a common problem in Elizabethan society. Shakespeare's plays also reflect the Elizabethan fascination with the Renaissance, a period of cultural and intellectual renewal in Europe. Romeo and Juliet is set in Renaissance Italy, and the play's characters are often drawn to the new ideas and values of the Renaissance.

In addition, Shakespeare's writing is influenced by the Elizabethan language. Shakespeare's plays are full of puns, wordplay, and rhetorical devices. Elizabethan audiences were highly educated and enjoyed this kind of sophisticated language.

Here are some specific examples of how the Elizabethan era influenced Romeo and Juliet:

The play's setting in Renaissance Italy is a reflection of the Elizabethan fascination with the Renaissance.
The play's themes of family rivalry and love at first sight were common themes in Elizabethan literature.
The play's language is full of puns, wordplay, and other rhetorical devices that were popular with Elizabethan audiences.
The play's structure, with its five acts and multiple subplots, is typical of Elizabethan drama.

The Elizabethan era had a profound influence on Shakespeare's writing. Romeo and Juliet is a product of its time, and it reflects the cultural, social, and political values of the Elizabethan era.

The play's sources

Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is based on Arthur Brooke's earlier poem, The Tragicall Historye of Romeus and Juliet, which was published in 1562. However, Shakespeare made a number of changes to the story, including:

Adding new characters and subplots: Shakespeare added several new characters to the story, including Mercutio, Benvolio, and the Nurse. He also expanded on the role of minor characters such as Paris and the Friar. In addition, Shakespeare added a number of new subplots, such as the feud between the Montagues and Capulets and the rivalry between Mercutio and Tybalt.
Developing the characters: Shakespeare's characters are more complex and well-developed than Brooke's characters. Romeo and Juliet, in particular, are much more sympathetic and relatable in Shakespeare's play.
Changing the plot: Shakespeare made a number of changes to the plot of the story. For example, he moved the duel between Mercutio and Tybalt to earlier in the play, and he added the scene in which Juliet takes the potion.
Using more vivid and poetic language: Shakespeare's language is much more vivid and poetic than Brooke's language. Shakespeare uses a variety of literary devices, such as metaphors, similes, and personification, to create a vivid and atmospheric world for his characters.

It is difficult to say definitively why Shakespeare made these changes to Brooke's poem. However, some possible explanations include:

To make the story more dramatic and engaging: Shakespeare's changes make the story more exciting and suspenseful. The new characters and subplots add complexity to the story, and the more developed characters make the audience care more about what happens to them.
To make the story more relatable to his audience: Shakespeare's changes make the story more relevant to his Elizabethan audience. The feud between the Montagues and Capulets reflects the political and social tensions of the time, and the rivalry between Mercutio and Tybalt reflects the Elizabethan fascination with swordsmanship.
To showcase his own literary skills: Shakespeare was a master of language, and he wanted to show off his skills in Romeo and Juliet. The play is full of beautiful and poetic language, which Shakespeare uses to create a vivid and believable world for his characters.

Shakespeare's changes to Brooke's poem transform Romeo and Juliet from a simple morality tale into a complex and tragic play. Shakespeare's play is one of the most enduring and beloved stories in the English language, and it continues to be performed and studied all over the world.

The play's themes

Shakespeare develops the themes of love, loss, tragedy, fate, and free will in Romeo and Juliet in a number of ways.

Love: The play is a love story, and Shakespeare uses a variety of techniques to convey the intensity and passion of Romeo and Juliet's love. For example, he uses sonnets and other poetic language to describe their love, and he shows how their love transforms them as individuals.

Loss: The play is also a tragedy, and Shakespeare uses the deaths of Romeo and Juliet to explore the theme of loss. The play shows how loss can lead to grief, anger, and despair. It also shows how loss can bring people together and help them to appreciate the importance of life.

Tragedy: The play is a tragedy because it ends with the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare uses a number of techniques to create a sense of tragedy in the play, such as foreshadowing, irony, and the use of tragic heroes.

Fate: The play also explores the theme of fate. Romeo and Juliet often refer to fate and destiny, and the play suggests that fate plays a role in their deaths. However, the play also suggests that humans have some free will, and that they can make choices that can change the course of their lives.

Free will: The play explores the theme of free will through the characters of Romeo and Juliet. Romeo and Juliet make a number of choices throughout the play, some of which have tragic consequences. However, the play also suggests that Romeo and Juliet are not entirely responsible for their own deaths. The play suggests that fate and the circumstances of their birth also play a role in their deaths.

The themes of love, loss, tragedy, fate, and free will in Romeo and Juliet offer us insights into the human condition. The play shows us that love is a powerful force that can transform our lives. It also shows us that loss is a painful experience that can lead to grief, anger, and despair. However, the play also shows us that loss can bring people together and help them to appreciate the importance of life. The play also shows us that life is unpredictable and that we are all subject to fate. However, the play also suggests that we have some free will, and that we can make choices that can change the course of our lives.

Romeo and Juliet is a complex and thought-provoking play that explores a number of universal themes. The play offers us insights into the human condition and the challenges that we all face in our lives.

The play's characters

Romeo's motivations: Romeo is motivated by his love for Juliet. He falls in love with her at first sight, and he is willing to risk everything to be with her. Romeo is also motivated by his desire to defy his family's feud with the Capulets. He believes that love is more important than family loyalty, and he is willing to sacrifice his own life to be with Juliet.

Juliet's motivations: Juliet is motivated by her love for Romeo. She falls in love with him as quickly as he falls in love with her. Juliet is also motivated by her desire to escape from the arranged marriage that her father has planned for her. She believes that she should be allowed to marry the man she loves, and she is willing to defy her father's authority to be with Romeo.

How Romeo and Juliet change and grow over the course of the play: Romeo and Juliet both change and grow over the course of the play. They become more mature and responsible as they face the challenges of their love. They also learn to appreciate the importance of family and community.

What we can learn from their story: Romeo and Juliet's story teaches us that love is a powerful force that can overcome even the most difficult obstacles. It also teaches us that love is not always enough to overcome the challenges of life. Romeo and Juliet's deaths remind us that we are all mortal, and that we should cherish the time we have with the people we love.

In addition to the motivations and changes that you have mentioned, here are some other aspects of Romeo and Juliet's characters that we can learn from:

Romeo's impulsiveness: Romeo is often impulsive and acts without thinking. This can lead him to make mistakes, such as killing Tybalt in a fit of rage. However, Romeo's impulsiveness also shows that he is passionate and follows his heart.
Juliet's courage: Juliet is a courageous young woman who is willing to stand up for what she believes in. She defies her father's wishes to marry Romeo, and she even takes her own life rather than marry Paris. Juliet's courage is an inspiration to us all.
Romeo and Juliet's idealism: Romeo and Juliet are both idealists who believe in the power of love to overcome all obstacles. Their idealism is ultimately their undoing, but it also makes them sympathetic and relatable characters.

Romeo and Juliet's story is a tragic one, but it is also a story of hope and love. It is a story that reminds us of the power of human emotion and the importance of following our hearts.

The play's language and style

Shakespeare uses language in a variety of ways to create atmosphere, develop characters, and convey meaning in Romeo and Juliet.

To create atmosphere: Shakespeare uses a variety of literary devices, such as imagery, symbolism, and personification, to create a vivid and atmospheric world for his characters. For example, he uses dark and light imagery to create a sense of foreboding and doom. He also uses the symbolism of the rose and the thorn to represent the beauty and danger of love.

To develop characters: Shakespeare uses language to reveal the inner thoughts and feelings of his characters. He also uses language to create distinct voices for each character. For example, Romeo speaks in a poetic and passionate language, while Juliet speaks in a more practical and down-to-earth language.

To convey meaning: Shakespeare uses language to convey the play's themes and messages. For example, he uses the language of fate and destiny to explore the role of fate in human life. He also uses the language of love and loss to explore the power of human emotion.

Here are some specific examples of how Shakespeare uses language in Romeo and Juliet:

Imagery: Shakespeare uses imagery to create a vivid and atmospheric world for his characters. For example, in the famous balcony scene, Romeo compares Juliet to the sun and the stars. This imagery creates a sense of beauty and enchantment, which reflects Romeo's feelings for Juliet.
Symbolism: Shakespeare uses symbols to represent the play's themes and messages. For example, the rose and the thorn symbolize the beauty and danger of love. The rose represents Juliet's beauty, while the thorn represents the danger of their love affair.
Personification: Shakespeare uses personification to give human qualities to inanimate objects. For example, in the famous "O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?" speech, Juliet personifies the night. This personification allows Juliet to express her deep love for Romeo in a powerful and moving way.
Distinct voices for each character: Shakespeare uses language to create distinct voices for each character. For example, Romeo speaks in a poetic and passionate language, while Juliet speaks in a more practical and down-to-earth language. This helps the audience to understand the different characters and their motivations.
The language of fate and destiny: Shakespeare uses the language of fate and destiny to explore the role of fate in human life. For example, in the opening scene of the play, the two Chorus characters foreshadow the tragic ending of the story. This foreshadowing creates a sense of foreboding and doom, and it reminds the audience that the characters are ultimately powerless against fate.
The language of love and loss: Shakespeare uses the language of love and loss to explore the power of human emotion. For example, in the famous balcony scene, Romeo and Juliet express their love for each other in passionate and poetic language. However, in the final scene of the play, Romeo and Juliet express their grief and loss in a more tragic and despairing language. This contrast in language highlights the intensity of their love and the depth of their grief.

Shakespeare's use of language in Romeo and Juliet is masterful. He uses language to create atmosphere, develop characters, and convey meaning in a way that is both beautiful and powerful. His language is one of the things that makes Romeo and Juliet one of the most enduring and beloved plays in the English language.

The play's performance history

Romeo and Juliet has been performed and adapted countless times over the centuries. Different directors and actors have interpreted the play in a variety of ways, reflecting the changing social and cultural values of the time.

Some of the most notable adaptations of Romeo and Juliet include:

Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 film: Zeffirelli's film is a faithful adaptation of the play, with a focus on the beauty and passion of Romeo and Juliet's love. The film stars Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey in the title roles, and it is considered to be one of the most definitive adaptations of the play.
Baz Luhrmann's 1996 film: Luhrmann's film is a modern adaptation of the play, set in Verona Beach, California. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes in the title roles, and it is known for its stylish visuals and contemporary soundtrack.
West Side Story (1961): West Side Story is a musical adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, set in New York City in the 1950s. The musical stars Tony Curtis and Natalie Wood in the lead roles, and it is considered to be one of the greatest musicals of all time.
Gnomeo & Juliet (2011): Gnomeo & Juliet is a computer-animated film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, with a cast of garden gnomes. The film stars James McAvoy and Emily Blunt in the lead roles, and it is known for its humor and visual beauty.

In addition to these notable adaptations, Romeo and Juliet has been performed on stage countless times all over the world. Directors and actors have interpreted the play in a variety of ways, reflecting the changing social and cultural values of the time. For example, in recent years, there have been a number of productions that have explored the play's themes of gender, race, and sexuality.

Romeo and Juliet is a timeless play that continues to be relevant to audiences today. The play's themes of love, loss, and tragedy are universal, and the play has been adapted and performed in a variety of ways to reflect the changing social and cultural values of the time.

The role of gender in the play

Shakespeare portrays men and women in Romeo and Juliet in a complex and nuanced way. He shows how both men and women are subject to the expectations of their society, but he also shows how they can challenge and subvert these expectations.

Expectations placed on men: In Elizabethan society, men were expected to be strong, brave, and decisive. They were also expected to be the head of their households and to provide for their families.

Expectations placed on women: In Elizabethan society, women were expected to be modest, obedient, and chaste. They were also expected to be good wives and mothers.

How the characters challenge or conform to these expectations:

Romeo: Romeo is a complex character who challenges and conforms to the expectations placed on men in Elizabethan society. On the one hand, he is a passionate and romantic lover who is willing to risk everything for Juliet. On the other hand, he is also impulsive and reckless, which leads him to make mistakes such as killing Tybalt.
Juliet: Juliet is also a complex character who challenges and conforms to the expectations placed on women in Elizabethan society. On the one hand, she is a strong and independent woman who is willing to stand up for what she believes in. On the other hand, she is also a loving and obedient daughter who is willing to sacrifice herself for her family.

Other characters in the play who challenge or conform to the expectations placed on their gender include:

Mercutio: Mercutio is a flamboyant and witty character who challenges the expectations of Elizabethan masculinity. He is more interested in art and poetry than in fighting and violence.
Lady Capulet: Lady Capulet is a traditional Elizabethan woman who conforms to the expectations placed on her gender. She is obedient to her husband and she sees her daughter as property.
The Nurse: The Nurse is a complex and contradictory character. She is a loving and caring caregiver to Juliet, but she is also a gossipy and manipulative woman.

Shakespeare's portrayal of men and women in Romeo and Juliet is complex and nuanced. He shows how both men and women are subject to the expectations of their society, but he also shows how they can challenge and subvert these expectations.

It is important to note that Shakespeare's play was written in the Elizabethan era, and the social and cultural norms of that time were very different from the social and cultural norms of today. For example, in Elizabethan society, women were considered to be property of their husbands and fathers. However, Shakespeare's play shows how women could challenge and subvert these expectations. For example, Juliet is a strong and independent woman who is willing to stand up for what she believes in.

The role of violence in the play

Shakespeare uses violence in Romeo and Juliet to advance the plot, develop the characters, and convey the play's message about violence.

Violence to advance the plot: Violence is a major driving force of the plot in Romeo and Juliet. The feud between the Montagues and Capulets leads to a number of violent clashes, including the deaths of Tybalt and Mercutio. The violence eventually culminates in the deaths of Romeo and Juliet themselves.

Violence to develop the characters: Violence also plays a role in developing the characters in Romeo and Juliet. For example, Romeo's impulsive decision to kill Tybalt shows his recklessness and his willingness to use violence to avenge his loved ones. Juliet's willingness to take her own life shows her determination and her love for Romeo.

Violence to convey the play's message about violence: Shakespeare's play also conveys a message about the destructive nature of violence. The violence in the play leads to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, two young people who were deeply in love. The play suggests that violence is a cycle that can only be broken by forgiveness and understanding.

Here are some specific examples of how Shakespeare uses violence in Romeo and Juliet:

The duel between Tybalt and Mercutio: The duel between Tybalt and Mercutio is a pivotal moment in the play. Tybalt's death escalates the feud between the Montagues and Capulets, and it leads to Romeo's banishment from Verona.
Romeo's suicide: Romeo's suicide is a tragic event that is caused by the violence in the play. Romeo believes that Juliet is dead, and he is unable to cope with his grief. His suicide is a reminder of the destructive power of violence.
Juliet's suicide: Juliet's suicide is another tragic event that is caused by the violence in the play. Juliet wakes up to find Romeo dead beside her, and she is unable to bear the thought of living without him. Her suicide is a reminder of the devastating impact of violence on those who are left behind.

The violence in Romeo and Juliet is a central part of the play. Shakespeare uses violence to advance the plot, develop the characters, and convey the play's message about the destructive nature of violence.

It is important to note that Shakespeare's play was written in the Elizabethan era, and the social and cultural norms of that time were very different from the social and cultural norms of today. For example, in Elizabethan society, violence was more common and less stigmatized than it is today. However, Shakespeare's play still conveys a message about the destructive power of violence that is relevant to audiences today.

The role of fate in the play

Shakespeare suggests that fate plays a significant role in the events of Romeo and Juliet. The characters often refer to fate and destiny, and the play's tragic ending seems inevitable. However, Shakespeare also suggests that the characters have some free will, and that they make choices that contribute to their own downfall.

Here are some specific examples of how Shakespeare suggests that fate plays a role in the play:

The prophecy of the two houses: In the opening scene of the play, the Chorus prophesies that the feud between the Montagues and Capulets will lead to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. This prophecy foreshadows the tragic ending of the play.
The chance meeting of Romeo and Juliet: Romeo and Juliet's chance meeting at the Capulet ball sets in motion the events of the play. If they had not met, their deaths would have been avoided.
The potion: Juliet takes a potion to make herself appear dead in order to escape her marriage to Paris. However, the potion works too well, and Romeo believes that Juliet is truly dead. This leads to his suicide, and ultimately to Juliet's suicide as well.

However, Shakespeare also suggests that the characters have some free will and that they make choices that contribute to their own downfall. For example:

Romeo's decision to attend the Capulet ball: Romeo knows that the Montagues and Capulets are enemies, but he still decides to attend the Capulet ball. This decision puts him in danger and leads to his meeting with Juliet.
Romeo's decision to kill Tybalt: Romeo's decision to kill Tybalt in revenge for Mercutio's death is impulsive and reckless. This decision leads to Romeo's banishment from Verona and to the tragic ending of the play.
Juliet's decision to take the potion: Juliet's decision to take the potion is a desperate attempt to escape her marriage to Paris. However, this decision backfires and leads to her death.

Shakespeare suggests that both fate and free will play a role in the events of Romeo and Juliet. The characters are subject to the forces of fate, but they also make choices that contribute to their own downfall. The play suggests that we are all responsible for our own choices, even if we are also subject to the forces of fate.

The play's message about free will and the power of choice is complex and ambiguous. On the one hand, the play suggests that we are all responsible for our own choices. Romeo and Juliet's tragic deaths are ultimately the result of their own choices, even if they are also subject to the forces of fate. On the other hand, the play also suggests that we are not entirely free to make our own choices. The feud between the Montagues and Capulets creates a dangerous environment in which Romeo and Juliet are unable to make free choices.

The play's message about free will and the power of choice is up to the individual audience member to decide. Shakespeare does not offer any easy answers, but he does challenge us to think about the relationship between fate and free will in our own lives.