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Important Themes in Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet has many themes that apply to the circumstances of a high school student.  Read through the following themes that are generally accepted as important themes in Romeo and Juliet.  As you read, please begin thinking about ways in which these themes can apply to the life of the average high school student.

 

The Power of Love:  Romeo and Juliet experience an intense love that springs up suddenly.  The love Romeo and Juliet experience is a violent, ecstatic, overpowering force that supersedes all other values, loyalties, and emotions.  During the play, the young lovers defy everyone, their families, friends, and even the rulers of Verona, to be together.  Their love is not beautiful, light and dainty, but dark and self-ruining.  It depicts the chaos, passion, and ultimately the violence of being in love. 

The Individual vs. Society:  Romeo and Juliet is a battle between the responsibilities and actions demanded by social institutions and those demanded by the private desires of the individual.  Their love for each other is forbidden, and they must rebel against their families and the expectations their family has of them to be together.  The conflict between their families creates a profound conflict for Romeo and Juliet, who must rebel against their heritage.  Juliet in particular rebels against the standards of the society in which she lives in her decision to choose whom she loves as opposed to letting him be chosen for her.    

The Nature of Youth vs. The Nature of Adults:  In Romeo and Juliet, there is a clear distinction between youths and adults.  The nature of adults in the play is to be strict and demanding of the youth.  They lay down laws for the youth to follow  As the play shows, the youth trend towards their natural tendencies of rebellion and disobedience.  Romeo and Juliet fall in love anyway, the younger characters are prone to fighting and dueling each other over matters of pride.  The rash and impulsive actions of Romeo and Juliet are directly in conflict with what the adults in the play require from them.  From this theme comes the question of who is responsible for how the story ends up?  Romeo and Juliet in their rebellious and hormone-driven behavior or the parents and other adults who failed to control them and reign them in?  

Now you've had an introduction to the most salient themes of Romeo and Juliet.  Go to the top of the page and click on the tab entitled "Jeopardy".  Use what you have learned about the play, the characters, and the themes to complete the review game! 

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