The Themes of Love and Hate in the Play Romeo and Juliet

The Themes of Love and Hate in the Play Romeo and Juliet

The literary genius, William Shakespeare, was born in 1564 and

throughout his life wrote a collection of plays, poems and sonnets. In

the 16th century, the type of theatre was very different to that of

today. Actors were only male, so any female parts had to be played by

a boy whose voice had not broken. This also meant that intimate love

scenes were not included as they were uncomfortable for the actors and

would not be very realistic.

The theatre itself was round with a small circular stage in the

centre. Props were few and words had to make up the scenery, lighting

and atmosphere. Plays had to be performed in the afternoons when it

was most light and were usually more of a social 'get-together' than a

formal event. Middle and lower class citizens attended these shows and

were unsettled and often uncultured. This meant that the very

beginning lines of the play could not be vital, as no one would

understand the play later if they missed them. In addition, the

following few lines had to be spoken loudly to attract the audience's

attention. Romeo and Juliet begins in exactly this way, with a short

opening chorus which explains the whole story, and then a fight scene.

Romeo and Juliet is a romantic tragedy that portrays two lovers trying

to build their relationship on a foundation of hate. Most people

believe the play to be a great love story, but it is equally one of

hatred, violence and bloodshed. The two lovers, who come from opposing

families in Verona, attempt to keep their love and marriage secret,

but this ends in dramatic suicide, which finally brings the Montagues

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...and the two families are brought together in mourning.

"O brother Montague, give me thy hand.

This is my daughter's jointure, for no more

Can I demand."

Shakespeare's usage of love and hate has given lead to many other

plays and films after it, such as 'West Side Story'. It gives a very

effective story line that keeps the audience captivated with every

twist and turn. The background of hate involves the audience who can

identify with one or more of the characters, and are often left

feeling extremely sorry for the families, such is the realism of the

play. 'Romeo and Juliet' is a true demonstration that love overcomes

hate, but in their case, the only way out was to be reunited in death.

"Never was there a story of more woe

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Than this of Juliet and her Romeo."