Romeo And Juliet Foils

In many famous literary works, writers use counterparts to highlight key traits of characters, as well as themes and other literary techniques. Most main characters have foils to show their importance. The more alike two characters are, the more their different traits stick out. Whether it is a couple of lovers or villain against protagonist, counterparts are important in all literature. In William Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet, two star-crossed lovers are similar in their emotional dramatics and impatient mindset, but different in their consistency of love.
One of the many similarities between the main characters is their impatience or rashness. Romeo, for example, is quick to life changing decisions such as marriage. At the start, …show more content…
After the lovers finally marry, a terrible fight ensues in which Tybalt kills Mercutio, and as a result, Romeo kills Tybalt. The Prince recently decreed that any more public fights between the Capulet and Montague families would result in punishment by death, and as Tybalt was a Capulet and Romeo is a Montague, it looks as though Romeo should be executed. Instead, the Prince lessens the sentence to banishment, as Mercutio, one of his kinsmen, was among the casualties. Friar Lawrence delivers this wonderful news, but to Romeo, but the youth provides a less than happy response.Instead of being grateful and working with the situation, Romeo complains and insists that banishment is worse than death, even though he will still see his true love and family. Later, he even throws himself on the ground crying, and threatens suicide. Unless he gets exactly what he wants, it is the end of the world for poor Romeo. Similarly, Juliet becomes extremely dramatic when problems arise. After dealing with Romeo’s banishment, her parents try to make Juliet happy again, but get the wrong idea for her happiness. They decide to arrange a marriage between her and a rich Count, not knowing she is already married to someone she loves. After a brutal argument between Juliet and her parents, the young woman quickly goes to the Friar. Instead of calmly explaining the situation Juliet, enters and demands. Although she does …show more content…
At the beginning, Romeo is usually found locked up in his room, crying. He fell in love with a woman named Rosaline but, ‘tragically’, she is not in love with him. This unrequited love throws Romeo in a deep depression. All he ever talked about was his undying love for Rosaline. Love is always on his mind. Keep in mind, he never actually talked to Rosaline, but still fell in love with her simply by looks. Then, he goes to a party and finds Juliet, who is far more beautiful than Rosaline. Again, he falls in love by sight, quickly changing. He announces to the Friar, not only his new love, but their marriage proposal, and Friar responds. Clearly, Romeo is fully encompassed by the love he feels, but quickly changes that moment he finds a better option. By contrast, Juliet does not have love on the front of her mind. When first introduced to Juliet, she is with her mother and Nurse. Her family’s party is that night and her mother wants her to investigate a rich man named Paris, who would like to marry her. She responds. Juliet doesn't fall in love at the drop of a pin. Although later she does fall in love with Romeo quickly, it is only after a bit of courting. Romeo and Juliet, the famous lover, contrast greatly in their