William Shakespeare s Romeo And Juliet - 1552 Words

Romeo and Juliet, is a story of forbidden love, drama, and identity. While most may think that this play is just one of those love stories read for entertainment, it holds a many connotations that can relate to modern society. As Romeo and Juliet s love develops, so does their deadly secret retracting them from one another more and more. As these two children learn the true meaning of love, they are blinded by the world around them. Their identity takes a strong stand in their ability to love one another: â€Å"My only love sprung from my only hate! Too early seen unknown, and known too late! Prodigious birth of love it is to me† (Shakespeare 15). They both come from dichotomous families; the Montagues and Capulets, the deadly feud between†¦show more content†¦Gregor remember thy swashing blow’’ (4 -5). Thus began the violent episode of the two feuding families. In effect this results in the anger of the civilians and the prince; everyone around them is affected deeply by their feud: â€Å"If you ever disturb our streets again, your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace† (6). In fact, the prince gets so angry that he threatens their lives if they are to be fractious, and disturb the streets again with their feud. There is no doubt that the feud between the two families will induce a negative effect on Romeo and Juliet’s relationship when they meet, as well as the community. It seems as everyone in the play is either on the Capulet’s side or the Montague’s, and if they are not they are among the few who are trying to end this every lasting feud. Throughout the play it is clear that a person’s identity is strongly influenced by their family. As the play progresses, Shakespeare focuses on identity by having a motif of Romeo and Juliet focus primarily on the forbidden love of Romeo and Juliet. Throughout Act II, identity plays a key role in forming the relationship between Romeo and Juliet. While their love maybe forbidden, Romeo and Juliet seem to be impetuously developing an intense relationship: â€Å"is but thy name that is my enemy; thou art thyself, though not a Montague. What’s a Montague? Nor arm, nor face nor any other part belonging to a man† (35). This proves that Juliet believes that Romeo’s name is