Romeo Montague of Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare

The prosperous and vibrant Elizabethan Age made England the heart of all commerce, culture, and most importantly, theatre. Romeo and Juliet, the masterpiece tragedy by William Shakespeare, takes place in this time period and relays the story of two young lovers whose ill-fated deaths eventually end an ancient family feud. The two, Romeo and Juliet, come from quarreling families who adamantly disapprove of their union. Thus, after knowing each other for only a few days, the star-crossed pair marries in secrecy and continues their furtive relationship. The situation complicates as the story progresses, with a previous love, arranged marriages, a perilous plan, and several deaths. Ultimately, Romeo and Juliet both fall to the consequences of their actions and have a pain-filled and sorrowful demise. Shakespeare’s use of various tactics in developing Romeo’s character in the play Romeo and Juliet shows that Romeo has an impulsive and emotional disposition. Romeo’s inner feelings, his actions and responses, and others’ opinions about him all help shape his character. William Shakespeare’s methods all combine to draw Romeo’s disposition.

Shakespeare uses Romeo’s internal feelings as a method to draw a full character and prove his impulsive and emotional outlook. Generally, Romeo and Juliet’s first meeting plays a huge part of determining Romeo’s true demeanor. At Capulet’s party, Romeo encounters Juliet for the first time. Love at first sight definitely takes place in this scene; upon seeing Juliet, Romeo denies ever previously experiencing love. He changes his feelings for Rosaline, his old love, in an instant as he gazes at Juliet and says to himself, “Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight,/ For I ne’er saw true beauty til...

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...ing sent by Juliet as a token of their love, he is instantly rejuvenated and revived. Romeo’s impulsive disposition shines through in this scene as his temper and decisions all change multiple times. He also allows his emotions, especially his love for Juliet, dictate the situation. Shakespeare uses Romeo’s own actions and responses as a method to derive his character and individuality.

Shakespeare employs multiple expedients to expose the impulsive and emotional characteristics in Romeo’s behavior and personality. In the first place, Romeo’s internal feelings and perceptions help determine his full character. Also, the way others view him contributes and aids in proving his disposition. In conclusion, Romeo’s own actions and responses support Shakespeare in drawing Romeo’s character. The world recognizes Romeo and Juliet as an unsurpassed and classic love story.