In part, yes. It's true that Romeo and Juliet are incredibly young, that they fall in love incredibly quickly, and that they behave rashly and recklessly at times. I do not, however, think Shakespeare belittles their feelings or implies that their feelings are invalid simply because they are young. Although some might scoff at their naivety, their feelings for one another feel incredibly real to them, and I think Shakespeare builds tension through his use of dramatic irony so deftly that the audience cannot help but be tugged along through their misfortunes with them. Dramatic irony is when the audience knows more than the character — its purpose is to build tension in the play — and one of the most important examples of dramatic irony is the final scene, when we know Juliet will wake up at any moment just as Romeo sips the poison that will kill him. If Shakespeare's intention was to satirize a contemporary obsession with romance, then he's gone to awfully great pains to make us feel the desperation and desire they feel.
Further, Romeo and Juliet are, in many ways, mature. Romeo is rightfully angered in the beginning when he learns of the street fight, and, though other boys his age are acting aggressively, he does not. Then, he initially refuses to engage Tybalt, speaking calmly and rationally to him in an attempt to defuse the situation. Likewise, Juliet is resolute when she makes a decision, exhibiting great bravery in standing up to her parents who don't treat her very lovingly, as well as being willing to fake her own death. These two aren't characterized as ridiculous; Shakespeare affords them and their feelings a lot of respect in the play.
No comments:
Post a Comment