Unrequited Love – Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet Essay Unrequited Love Love was always a monopoly. You never know whether someone really loves you or not. All you know is you love them. That is what always makes unrequited love difficult. In Romeo and Juliet, unrequited love is present whether apparent or implied. Romeo falls in love with Rosaline and Paris falls in love with Juliet which remain the most obvious examples. However, I do believe their is an unrequited love between Juliet and her parents. When we first meet Romeo, he is infatuated by Rosaline (which he calls love), who happens not to be in love with him and plans to become a nun. Why, such love’s transgression. Griefs of mine own lie heavy in my breast, Which thou with propagate to have it pressed (I, i, 192-194)” Romeo in this quote proves his infatuation of Rosaline, not necessarily love. The following words show his “love” for Rosaline has added grief. However, the words he uses adds “sexual implications. ” Another quote that proves Romeo’s love for Rosaline would later take place in the conversation between Benvolio and Romeo: Well in that hit you miss. She’ll not be hit. With Cupid’s arrow. She hath Dian’s wit,

And, in strong proof of chastity well armed, From love’s weak childish bow she lives uncharmed (I, i, 216-219) In these rhyming couplets, Romeo talks about Rosaline and how he cannot win her heart especially since she wants to become a nun. Him not winning her heart becomes apparent when he says “Well in that hit you miss. She’ll not be hit. With Cupid’s arrow. ” To know Rosaline becomes a nun (which has an effect on Romeo winning her heart knowing she is dedicated to God) he says, “She hath Dian’s wit, And, in strong proof of chastity well armed. (I, i, 217)”

Dian: “the wisdom of Diana , goddess of chastity, who was opposed to love and marriage. ” (Dictionary Source Pg 22) Another example of unrequited love displayed in Romeo and Juliet is Paris’ love for Juliet. In the beginning of the play, Paris is chosen by Capulet to marry his daughter, Juliet. However, Capulet asks him to wait and win her heart before marrying her. This shows the maturity of Capulet (which is eventually terminated later in the book) and him wanting what is best for Juliet, which is not necessarily what she wanted, “But woo her, gentle Paris, get her heart; My will to her consent is but part. I, ii, 16-17)” As the play reaches the end, and Juliet fakes her death, Paris comes to see her himself carrying flowers, showing that he truly loved her, but she did not love him. Sweet flower, with flowers thy bridal bed I strew (O woe, thy canopy is dust and stones! ) ........ ........ ........ Nightly shall be to strew thy grave and weep. ........ What cursed foot wanders this way tonight, To cross my obsequies and true love’s rite? What, with a torch? Muffle me, night, awhile. (V, iii, 12-21) This contradictory quote proves Paris genuinely love Juliet, and is made clear when he says “true love’s rite. With depressing words used such as “weep,” “muffle,” and “tears,” it shows that Juliet’s death has had an effect on his happiness. Finally, the last example of unrequited love is displayed by Lord and Lady Capulet to Juliet. At many points in this play Juliet’s parents would be cruel to Juliet and not do what was best for her. Love was not shown, especially when Lord Capulet slapped Juliet after she said she did not want to marry Paris. Her parents never seemed to be there for her either, therefore she had to turn to the Nurse for parental influence.

Who loved who may remain a mystery, but it seems to fluctuate throughout the book, but they finally turn into be caring parents after it is too late. How, how, how, how ? Chopped logic? What is this? “Proud,” and “I thank you,” and “I thank you not,” And yet “not proud ”? Mistress minion you, Thank my no thankings, nor proud me no prouds, But fettle your fine joints ‘gainst Thursday next ........... ........... Out, you green-sickness carrion! Out, you baggage! ........... (III, v, 154-162) This quote proved how cruel Lord Capulet was to Juliet. He disrespected her and disregarded her wants.

He criticized her and later slapped her. He forced her into doing something she did not want to do, showing how selfish he was. Hang thee, young baggage, disobedient wretch! I tell thee what: get thee to church o’Thursday, Or never after look me in the face. Speak not; reply not; do not answer me. My fingers itch, - Wife we scarce thought us blessed (III, v, 166-171) They question their blessing, Juliet, which shows they do not really care for her, because no parent would question whether their child was a blessing. Well, a good parent would not.

In conclusion, Juliet and her parents, Paris and Juliet, and Romeo and Rosaline all experienced unrequited love in the play Romeo and Juliet. Whether obvious or not, they are there and continue throughout the book. Unrequited love put the play into twists and turns, making it a lot harder for the characters to cope with their problems. The events unfolding in this play continuously prove, love is a monopoly, you never know how much you are going to get. All you know is, it is out there. Works Cited Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. New York: Folger Shakespeare Library, 1992. ----------------------- Romeo and Juliet Essay Unrequited Love

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