Romeo And Juliet Foil Essay

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What really shows a person’s true character? Is it their sense of humor or how they react in different situations? This could be true – however, wouldn’t it be clearer to compare their character traits to contrasting personalities to clearly understand who they are. Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare tells the story of star crossed lovers whose love leads them to their death. The characters in this play are very complex, especially Romeo. He is passionate, idealistic, romantic, impulsive, stubborn, sensitive, impatient and kind. Since Romeo has so many different layers, it can be hard to clearly understand him. However, characters like Mercutio, Friar Laurence and Tybalt can help. Comparing foil characters to Romeo’s passion and impulsiveness …show more content…

(3.3 109 – 111)
While Romeo’s character is very impulsive, Friar Laurence is very practical and thinks before he acts. For example, when Romeo asks the Friar to marry him to Juliet, he cautions Romeo about rushing into the decision. He says “Is Rosaline, whom thou didst love, so dear/ so soon forsaken? Young men’s love then lies/ Not truly in their hearts, but in their eyes.” (2.3. 65 – 67). He also says “Wisely and slowly. They stumble that run fast” (2.3. 94) Friar Laurence wants only the best for Romeo and tries to bring out a more practical and calm side of Romeo.
The final character used to bring out Romeo’s personality is Tybalt. Often describes as the “Prince of Cats”, he is an essential foil to Romeo’s character. The main difference between them is that Tybalt loves violence while Romeo loves love. Tybalt is very vain and loves to fight; whereas Romeo is more kind and gentle. This is shown when Tybalt is making fun of Romeo and he is happily taking the abuse. However, if that had been Romeo tormenting Tybalt, he would have gotten very upset.
Tybalt: Romeo, the love I bear thee can afford
No better term than this: thou art a

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