In the tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, mutual love and devotion are the main characteristics of Shakespeare=s ideal love. He also portrays the idea of lovers making sacrifices in order to be together, even if it means forsaking things that are valuable to their existence, including their lives.
Romeo=s longing for ideal love is the primary driving force behind most of his actions. Since his love for Rosaline was not reciprocated, it affected the way he treated Juliet, because they shared mutual feelings for each other. When he was banished from Verona, he did not dwell on the fact that he had murdered somebody; but his only concern was being apart from Juliet, which demonstrates that love was his first priority. Throughout the play, the impact of ideal love matures Romeo as well as Juliet throughout the play. Although the text does not suggest that Paris is younger than Romeo, prior to killing Paris, Romeo refers to him as a Ayouth@: AGood gentle youth, tempt not a desp=rate man@(5.3.59). Conversely, he calls himself a Aman@ as if the days with Juliet have put him through the emotions one would experience in an entire lifetime.
The individuals possessed by >ideal= love are not the only ones who are affected by it. In Romeo and Juliet, Friar Lawrence=s first reaction to Romeo=s drastic change was shock: AHoly Saint Francis, what a change is here!/./Young men=s love then lies/Not truly in their hearts, but in their eyes.@(2.3.69, 71-72). The Friar accuses Romeo of infatuation and is stunned to hear about this sudden shift from Rosaline to Juliet. The Friar is reluctant to help Romeo marry her. Nevertheless, he still attempts to seal their love despite the turmoil between the families. However, the Friar warns Romeo that Athese violent delights have violent ends@ (2.6.9) and he tells him to Alove moderately@(2.6.14). Clearly, the Friar wants Romeo to slow down and think about the potential harm he may do to the two families.
