The play itself is the classic example of "love at first
sight." Considering that love builds up after a long period of time, physical
attraction certainly played a major factor in Romeo and Juliet. Now, was it purely
pysical? The relationship was consummated after marriage, and the couple definately
enjoyed their time together. There are other factors to
consider:
- Romeo's love for another woman
(Rosaline) was lost the moment he layed eyes on
Juliet. - Juliet was betrothed to Paris, and may have done
anything to get out of marrying him. - Teenagers often
think they have experienced love instead of infactuation. Juliet is only
13. - Romeo and Juliet had no time at all to get to know
each other.
Professor Gayle Whittier writes
that "Juliet ... suggests that she both represents and defeats a translation of sonnet
into flesh." It could be true that Shakespeare tried to create a "soul mate" story but,
because he worked within the realms of a play, may not have been able to prove to every
reader that the plot was sincere.
Romeo and Juliet is one
of my all-time favorite plays. The sheer beauty of the of the prose within the play is
breath-taking on its own. I do think that Romeo's love for Juliet was, on many levels,
physical: but this is all Shakespeare really had to work
with.
I suppose it all depends on whether or not one
believes that soul mates exist, and that they can love each other in a very short amount
of time.
Finally, ask yourself: would superficial love
cause lovers to end their lives? I think this is a vital question, and will be
different for each of us depending on our life experience and outlook towards romantic
love. Perhaps that is how Shakespeare wanted it.
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