IndexLove and infatuation in Romeo and JulietCliché of love in Romeo's affectionsWorks CitedLove and infatuation in Romeo and JulietThere are a number of strong emotions when it comes to the human psyche, the love being one of the strongest in humanity's arsenal. Love, a very volatile emotion, was a very common theme throughout the early modern period as many historical writers and playwrights took advantage of using this emotion. The famous play Romeo and Juliet is no different when it comes to this common theme. Throughout the play, it is quite evident that love is at the forefront when it comes to any other theme or focal point. Throughout the opera itself, love is exaggerated, it prevails over every other emotion and during the opera it becomes even more violent. The play begins by establishing that there are: “Two families, both similar in dignity, from the old rupture of grudge to the new mutiny. - A couple of unfortunate lovers takes their own lives;” (Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, 1-5, Prologue) Before the play even begins, it is already established that a forbidden love exists between two members of opposing families, and their love is so strong that only death can put an end to their bond. Throughout Romeo and Juliet, infatuation or love is not something static or just there, the emotion itself seems to have life, being driven by the characters themselves. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay. Insert Romeo at the beginning of the play as he talks to his relative Benvolio about his love for Rosaline. Romeo exclaims, “Alas, that love, whose sight is still muffled, should without eyes see the paths to his will.” (Shakespeare, 176-177, Act 1) During Romeo's banter with Benvolio about his love for Rosaline, he probably brings up two clichés about love in Shakespeare's time. These clichés are “love is blind” and “love will always find a way”. We the audience will also discover that, compared to Romeo's love for Juliet, his love for Rosaline is not mature or even as emotional. Later in the play, Romeo's love for Juliet takes on much more life and meaning expressed by his words. When Romeo and Juliet finally meet, it showcases another "love at first sight" cliché. Juliet is struck by the reality of loyalty to Romeo's house. In a small outburst, he exclaims: “My only love came from my only hate! Seen too soon unknown and known too late! Prodigious birth of love is for me, who must love a hated enemy. (Shakespeare, 152-155, Act 1) Juliet is hit by the most serious news about her love, namely the fact that she has fallen in love with a man who is her sworn enemy, the only man she is not allowed to marry. Reiterating the fact that even though she loves him, the two may never be allowed to marry or love each other due to their respected families, both are still enemies. However, the choice of language and words throughout the play points to the fact that two opposite things will never be separated forever, especially if love is involved. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Juliet's plea regarding her love brings out a common theme seen throughout the play: things seem to happen too soon. For example, Juliet says "Seen stranger too soon and known too late", exclaiming the fact that she met her Romeo too early in her young life, and things might have been different if she had only met him later in her life. Continuing the theme of things happening too soon throughout the play, alla, 2008.