Romeo and Juliet: Love vs. Lust Essay Example

Friar Lawrence, a man of integrity and wisdom, summarizes the relationship between Romeo and Juliet as nothing more than immature lusting for one another.

This immature lusting may be out of protest of the idea of an "arranged marriage", or imply being a young teens attempting to be rebel without a cause. Even the language Romeo and Juliet use when they speak is focused solely on appearance and looks. For example, Romeo is quoted with the following description of Juliet; But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, Who is already sick and pale with grief That thou, her maid, art far more fair than she... The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars As daylight doth a lamp; her eye in heaven

WSDL through the airy region stream so bright That birds would sing and think it were not night. (II. IL. 2-6, 19-23) The previous passage was Romeo describing Juliet as beautiful as the sun, and professing his love for Juliet . At this point, Romeo is in the garden speaking to Juliet on the balcony. He refers to Juliet as the light of his world, and uses colorful imagery to describe her looks. This is one another example of the false love that exists. In addition to this quote, the narrator of the play describes Romeo and Juliet as "star-crossed lovers".

Another quote by Juliet describing Romeo in a sexual, lustful way is as follows; Hiss! Romeo, hiss! ?Oh, for a falconer's voice, To lure this tassel-gentle back again! Bondage is hoarse, and may

not speak aloud, Else would I tear the cave where Echo lies, And make her airy tongue more hoarse than mine, With repetition of "My Romeo! (II. I'. 161-166) This lust-filled quote proclaimed by Juliet and intended for Romeo is yet another example of false love or love based on looks in their relationship. Lust is the same as false love, and so this quote can be used as a demonstration of both.

Romeo again states his feelings for not Juliet but rather Gullet's looks in his following quote; Oh, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night Like a rich Jewel in an Tiptoe's ear, Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear. So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows As yonder lady o'er her fellows shows. (l. V. 42-47) This is Romeos description of Juliet the very first time he laid eyes on her. Romeo describes Juliet as hot as fire, and too beautiful for this world. He even describes her like a dove amongst crows (Ivory amongst Ebony).

In all of the three previous quotes, the colorful language focused mainly on the looks of the other person signals that their feelings may be more lust than love. Not once was a personality trait mentioned, or any other sign of love than physical attractiveness. Although Romeo and Juliet do not show true love for each other throughout the play, there is real love that exists between other characters. One of the greatest examples of love in the play is the love Capsule has for his daughter, Juliet. Capsule said; Too soon marred

are those so early made Earth hath swallowed all my hopes but she.

She's the hopeful lady of my earth. But woo her, gentle Paris, get her heart. My will to her consent is but a part. An she agreed within her scope of choice, Lies my consent and fair according voice. (l. It. 13-19) Capsule is going against society, and taking into consideration Gullet's feelings about marriage. Capsule wants Juliet to be happy. This is an unusual act for the time, but this quote by Capsule to Paris exemplifies the genuine love that a father has for his only daughter. There is also love between Romeo and his dead cousin Mercuric. In a ambition of both love and sorrow that Romeos feelings express.

Romeo said; Away to heaven, respective lenient, And fire-eyed fury be my conduct now. Now, Table, take the Milan" back again That late thou agaves me, for Americium's soul Is but a little way above our heads, Staying for thin to keep him company. Either thou or l, or both, must go with him. (Ill. I. 123-129) This is as true as love can get. Romeo realizes the loss of a great friend, and mourns his death in the streets of Verona. This is a model example of love in Romeo and Juliet, and love that is more non-fiction than that of Juliet and Romeo.

The tragedy of Romeo and Juliet exemplifies what results from hatred, revenge, and rivalry, and ends in death for many. This goes down as the greatest love story of all time, but the main problem with the play is the lack of love. If there was

real love between Romeo and Juliet and their families, the outcome of the play would be a lot different. As Mason Cooley, an American aphorism, once said, "Love begins with an image, lust with a sensation". The attraction between Romeo and Juliet began with nothing more than a sensation, and can only be considered a prime example of passionate lust.