Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet : Aspects of Love

Familial love can be applied to both the two main protagonists and their parents. It is seen early in the play when we see the Montague family concerned for their son, Romeo, who is infatuated with Rosaline. The way in which they discuss Romeo’s dilemma with their nephew Benvolio indicates that they are concerned for their son’s wellbeing much more then their possessions. Coupled with the fact that Montague offered to raise Juliet’s statue in gold at the very end, knowing that Romeo had preferred to die rather then live without her, makes Montague’s intentions true. Furthermore the love between Romeo and his family is so strong that, on realising that her son was exiled, Lady Montague died of grief. Juliet’s family, however, is slightly different. Capulet, in treating Juliet as a mere possession when he forces her to marry Count Paris, also starts off the chain of events that ultimately lead to the tragic demise of Romeo and

Finally there is healing love. Throughout the story little goes right for the lovers but they manage to share a few moments of true happiness. However their dedication to one another even when faced with impossible obstacles (ie. the fighting between the two families) is tremendous. The struggle for power and wealth and the selfishness that they bring with it is finally overcome by the simple love that Romeo and Juliet share although at a terrible price. In the end something positive emerges from much suffering and despair that the 2 young people have endured and have sacrificed themselves over. Although the price to pay for everybody is terribly high, healing occurs and time passes on, the two families overcoming their differences.

Fraternal love is featured very early in the play when Benvolio offers to help Romeo, his very close friend, to sort out the problem with Rosaline. He suggests that Romeo “examine other beauties” and that they go to the masked ball party hosted by the Capulets. Benvolio’s character within the play is that of loyalty and honesty. Mercutio is also another friend that shares a fraternal bond with Romeo. This is especially true when he takes up the challenge with the violent Tybalt in defence of his friend’s honour. After he dies Romeo feels that he must revenge the death of his friend and kills Tybalt. This is a very strong example of the fraternal love that is shared between Romeo and his friends. Other characters that display fraternal love are Friar Lawrence and Juliet’s nurse. Both play vital roles in guiding and caring for the youths. The Nurse comes into the story at the same time as Juliet’s mother and her feelings towards Juliet and the close bond that they share make her more of a mother then her real one. The Nurse quotes “I would say thou had sucked wisdom from thy teat”. The Friar is a ve

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