Romeo and Juliet- 20/20
Romeo and Juliet Essay
Throughout “Romeo and Juliet”, the audience sees the universality of Shakespeare’s work represented through a play. He refers to themes and creates an emotional response which transcends time and place. Luhrmann’s appropriation alters the setting of the play however maintains the use of Shakespeare’s textual script. The themes “The Inevitability of Fate” and “Love as a cause of Violence” are represented through the beliefs and actions of the characters which are enhanced through language techniques and filmic techniques. The scene of Romeo and Juliet’s death and the meeting of Tybalt and Romeo at the ball are two prime events which encapsulate these themes and character in depth.
The themes “The Inevitability of Fate” and “Love as a cause of Violence” both are revealed through the characters actions and language. Both Romeo and Juliet were known to be a “pair of star-crossed lovers.” The symbolic “stars” are representative of fate and how it brings two different beings together. However, Romeo’s defiance cast a tangible scar on his relationship with Juliet. Romeo’s thoughtless actions resulted in both Juliet’s and his death. After hearing of Juliet’s apparent death, Romeo states, “then I defy you stars!” This meaning, Romeo defies the stars which symbolise the fate which brought the couple together. Romeo uses the linguistic technique of apostrophe to address the dead. Through his emotional language he creates an indelible connection with death. “Come, bitter conduct, come, unsavoury guide!” Romeo makes an everlasting contract with death, who finally takes possession of everything. Shakespeare’s text also explores the theme of “Love as a cause of Violence” through Romeo and Juliet’s continuous plea for everlasting love for each other. The scene of Romeo and Juliet’s death is a reflection on the theme as Romeo and Juliet’s plea to be together forever was not conceded. “Well, Juliet, I will lie with thee tonight.” This quote by Romeo
Throughout “Romeo and Juliet”, the audience sees the universality of Shakespeare’s work represented through a play. He refers to themes and creates an emotional response which transcends time and place. Luhrmann’s appropriation alters the setting of the play however maintains the use of Shakespeare’s textual script. The themes “The Inevitability of Fate” and “Love as a cause of Violence” are represented through the beliefs and actions of the characters which are enhanced through language techniques and filmic techniques. The scene of Romeo and Juliet’s death and the meeting of Tybalt and Romeo at the ball are two prime events which encapsulate these themes and character in depth.
The themes “The Inevitability of Fate” and “Love as a cause of Violence” both are revealed through the characters actions and language. Both Romeo and Juliet were known to be a “pair of star-crossed lovers.” The symbolic “stars” are representative of fate and how it brings two different beings together. However, Romeo’s defiance cast a tangible scar on his relationship with Juliet. Romeo’s thoughtless actions resulted in both Juliet’s and his death. After hearing of Juliet’s apparent death, Romeo states, “then I defy you stars!” This meaning, Romeo defies the stars which symbolise the fate which brought the couple together. Romeo uses the linguistic technique of apostrophe to address the dead. Through his emotional language he creates an indelible connection with death. “Come, bitter conduct, come, unsavoury guide!” Romeo makes an everlasting contract with death, who finally takes possession of everything. Shakespeare’s text also explores the theme of “Love as a cause of Violence” through Romeo and Juliet’s continuous plea for everlasting love for each other. The scene of Romeo and Juliet’s death is a reflection on the theme as Romeo and Juliet’s plea to be together forever was not conceded. “Well, Juliet, I will lie with thee tonight.” This quote by Romeo