Romeo and Juliet Essay

In Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, he creates a story of love, death, and sacrifice. The Montague s and Capulet's are always fighting, and they are sworn enemies. Romeo and Juliet don't have a lot of independence because of their roles in society, parents expectations, and their secret love.

The Montague and Capulet family are both high class in their society. In Act 1 in the book, Juliet's family threw a big party and that's when Romeo, Mercutio and their friends sneak in. "Through fair Verona, find those persons out/ whose name are written there, and to them say/ my house and welcome on their pleasure stay." (1.2.36-38) That was said by Lord Capulet when sending out the serving man to give out the invitations. Though Romeo is a Montague, he doesn't fight with the Capulet's constantly like his cousins do.  "O, the people in the street cry "Romeo", /some "Juliet", and some "Paris", and all run/ with open outcry toward our monument." (5.3.198-200) Because people know and support those characters in the book and their town.

Their parent expect Romeo and Juliet to do well, for her to be obedient and respectful, and Romeo to be quiet and good. Her parents set Juliet up for an arranged marriage and expected her to go along with it. "The Country Paris, at Saint Peters Church/ shall happily make thee a joyful bride." (3.5.199-120) And because of the families outrageous fights, the Prince had to break them up. "Montague, come you this afternoon/ to know our farther pleasure in this case, /to old Free - Town, our common judgement place." (1.1.102-104) The word "common" shows that is happens a lot that they meet. His cousins are expected to cause trouble with the Capulet family.

Romeo and Juliet is a famous story to people of forbidden love. Their families hated each other they couldn't eb seen together. "I hate the word/ as I hate hell, all Montagues,/ and thee." (1.1.71-72) So even if there was a chance for them to be together it had to be in secret. Their families would stop them from being together if either of them found out Romeo and Juliet's relationship or marriage. In the quote, Tybalt is expressing his hate for Romeo and the Montague family.

All in all, Romeo and Juliet had very little independence. Between their parents views, societies views, and family feuds, they both had to keep their love secret.