Why Is Romeo And Juliet So Captivating?

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What makes Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet so captivating? Is it the enchanting love story? The ferocious hatred? The itching twist of fate? The youthful characters’ flare for the dramatic? Many think it’s the intriguing tragedy, that the rash and passionate decisions of the budding youths regarding integrity, revenge, and love in the misadventure are what gives The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet its name. Romeo and Juliet illustrates how impulsive young people are when it comes to honor. For example, Tybalt says to Romeo, “Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries that thou hast done me…” (3.1.67-68.) Tybalt’s mention of injuries means the damage to his honor, which he takes so sorely that he describes it as physical injuries. His passionate rage …show more content…

For example, Tybalt hates Romeo, if only for the sake of revenge. He recognizes him as a Montague, and with no second thought is livid at him, vengeful for Romeo’s damaging of his honor, saying, “It fits when such a villain is a guest. I’ll not endure him.” (1.5. 84-85) To which Capulet responds with, “He shall be endured.” (3.1. 86) This shows the evident contrast between the age groups. Tybalt quickly jumps into hating Romeo for no reason, other than, seemingly, the sake of vengeance. This theme is also expressed in the feud. The young people are quick to challenge one another, even though they don’t give their hatred a second thought, only recognizing their hatred the second they feel it and never questioning it, in contrast to the older people, who hardly mind the feud. The youths´ vengefulness is apparent, even though the reason for it is forgotten, as seemingly the only reason for their vengefulness is for the sake of vengeance. Furthermore, Lady Capulet, who is only 27 years of age, is quick to hate Romeo after Tybalt’s death, although his death was technically his own fault, “...Romeo slew Tybalt; Romeo must not live.” (3.1. 190) Her inconsiderate thirst for revenge isn’t given a second thought, a moment of consideration, only a single-sided boiling

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