High School

Which of the following options describe the reasons for the characters' love in "Romeo and Juliet"?

1. Conflicting thoughts of characters
2. Physical barriers between characters
3. The way society views Romeo and Juliet's relationship

Answer :

The love in Romeo and Juliet is depicted as a form of resistance against societal and paternal constraints, as well as a challenge to physical barriers that intensify their passion. However, their love also reveals its limits as they face the tragic outcomes of their defiance. So the correct option is 3) the Way society views Romeo and Juliet's relationship.

The reasons for the characters' love in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet are multifaceted.

Firstly, the love between Romeo and Juliet emerges as a form of resistance against the demands and constraints imposed by their families and society. Shakespeare presents love as a force that challenges the authority of paternal figures and the societal expectations of obedience and duty. The young lovers choose each other despite their families' hatred, symbolic of a revolutionary act against the oppressive norms.

Secondly, the physical barriers and societal views towards their relationship contribute to the intensity and desperation of their love. According to the criticism by Denis De Rougemont, obstacles are often what fuels the desire for love. Juliet's recognition of the challenges posed by their family names and societal positions underlines this notion, as she urges Romeo to forsake his name, demonstrating their love's power to transcend societal constraints.

Lastly, the love between Romeo and Juliet is depicted as authentic and strong enough to inspire them to defy the norm, yet not strong enough to withstand the consequences enforced by society and their lack of willingness to openly face these consequences. Their love becomes both their act of defiance and their undoing, a sentiment expressed by Prince Escalus in his reflection on the tragedy of their untimely deaths. So the correct option is 3) the Way society views Romeo and Juliet's relationship.