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Lust In Romeo And Juliet Essay

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Love - an intense feeling of affection and care towards another person. Lust - a strong desire of a sexual nature. Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is a romantic tragedy that forms many questions and arguments. Romeo and Juliet’s relationship is very confusing. Were they really in love? Was it just lust? Was she just trying to avoid marrying Paris? These are all questions raised by this play. The theme of love vs lust is best addressed by Romeo’s soliloquy in Act 2, Scene 2. Romeo and Juliet focused mostly on appearance while “falling in love”. The first thing that Romeo says when he sees Juliet is about her beauty. “Did my heart love til now? Forswear it, sight! For I have never seen true beauty till this night.” (Act 1, Scene 5). Then, he goes on and on, and barely talks to her before deciding he loves her. Most of the things that Romeo and Juliet say, both to each other and in general, have to do with beauty or handsomeness. This is evidence that they are focusing on outward appearance. Also, Romeo and Juliet had just met when they decided that they were in love. Getting married the day after meeting is not logical. These are some examples that Romeo and Juliet were not truly …show more content…

This theme is best shown in Romeo’s soliloquy in Act 2 Scene 2. “ It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon, who is already sick and pale with grief that thou, her maid, art far more fair than she.” (Act 2, Scene 2). Romeo and Juliet brings up lots of debate about whether they were in love, or in lust. This essay brought those points to attention. There are many lessons to be learned from Romeo and Juliet, but this is definitely the most important one. As one can see, it is easy to confuse lust for love and vice versa. It is important to take time in relationships, and make sure that you know the full story before you react. If actions are taken to quickly, they can lead to a tragic

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