Comparing Love: Analysis of Romeo and Juliet and Of Mice and Men

1099 Words3 Pages

Love is defined as an affection for somebody such as a close friend or partner, or for something as general as a place, ideal, or an animal. Although love is considered a powerful and meaningful emotion, it is often used too frequently in society. William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men are both love stories, but while Shakespeare is depicted as an erotic and sensual love, Steinbeck is a story of a brotherly love. Romeo and Juliet are star-crossed lovers who have a very strong relationship, however, a stronger relationship appears in the book, Of Mice and Men. The relationship between Lennie and George is even stronger than Romeo and Juliet’s in many ways. George and Lennie’s relationship is stronger because of the things they have been through over the years and time and commitment they have spent together. In Romeo and Juliet the characters are portrayed as having a selfish and erotic love. Romeo’s love for Juliet is selfish because he wants to be with her only and is willing to give everything else up. His friend Benvolio says, “Blind is his love and best benefits the dark” (Shakespeare, 35). This quote by Benvolio states …show more content…

“These violent delights have violent ends”(Shakespeare, 10-11). This quote points out the dangers of love and how it can possibly lead to a violent end. The dangers of love in Of Mice and Men were signified through the mental illness of Lennie and his love for his best friend. "because I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, and that's why." (p.15). This is a good example of how Lennie feels about George and how he portrays his relationship with George is like a bond that a family would share. Even though Lennie has a mental illness and can sometimes be a burden to him George still loves him and doesn’t want him to die

Open Document