Early in the play, Romeo is lovelorn and devastated by the news that Rosaline, a young woman for whom he has openly declared his love, has decided to remain chaste, and will not return his affections. He is completely lovesick, wandering alone and refusing to interact with anyone. This changes when he attends the Capulet family masque, where he immediately falls in love with Juliet. The fact that he switches his total infatuation from Rosaline to Juliet so quickly suggests that Romeo is impetuous; indeed, the Friar accuses him of exactly this. Emotional and sometimes irrational, Romeo wears his heart on his sleeve. His love for Juliet is sincere, and much of his apparent impetuosity, especially late in the play when he believes Juliet is dead, comes from his love. Romeo could also be said to be immature, childish, and self-absorbed early in the play, but after meeting Juliet (even if his reaction to his banishment is not exactly dignified), all of his actions must be viewed in light of his love for her.
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