“Art is not a form of propaganda; it is a form of truth. For art establishes the basic human truth which must serve as the touchstone of our judgement.” - President John F. Kennedy If one were to find themselves either strolling past or peering into a freshman class amidst their in-depth study of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, he or she would overhear students delving into various concepts and ideas, connecting these to their everyday lives and the world around them, that not only provides them with a deep-rooted influence, but rather that they make a lasting impact on. One of Shakespeare’s most tragically brilliant works, Romeo and Juliet, stands as an essential piece in the puzzle of the society that we all recognize today. Thus, it is …show more content…
As some may say, Shakespeare is “... a common vocabulary...he wrote what we all know.” (Petri, 374) This is because the plays contain underlying meanings that any person or event can relate to in some way. Romeo and Juliet can be related to different concepts of different age groups. Indeed, the most prevalent issue that the play encompasses is the teen age. “Shakespeare created this humanity, which now seems as organic to us as the spring.” (Marche, 385) In the play, lovers Romeo and Juliet are faced with numerous conflicts that impede their being together. In this, one could easily interpret different messages from another, such as “...how fast a bad decision can lead to a complete catastrophe.” (Rose, 391), “... yourself [and] the things you’ve done in your life…” (Rose, 391), or even “...how pride, regret, a lack of mutual understanding and interference from the outside are obstacles to resolving conflicts peacefully.” (Janmohamed, 380) Likewise, Shakespeare’s plays can be applied to multiple current and/or well known world events. For example, Shakespeare’s work Julius Caesar was an open representation of the anti-apartheid movement. “In a way, Nelson [Mandela] was the Caesar of the ANC…” (The Washington Post, 377) In a similar way, Romeo and Juliet, when put into the context, can demonstrate the beginnings of war in Iraq- the two lovers “...have been kept apart by the cycle of violence resulting from the feud between their fathers.” (Janmohamed, 379) just as the Iraqi citizens were thrown into war and violence because of an ancestral disagreement. Not only this, but the infamous character Capulet (Juliet’s father) can be a symbol of the
It is undeniable that intense passion permeates Shakespeare's play, Romeo and Juliet. Yet on a closer examination it is also evident that the characters, do not always comply with the expectations placed upon them either by society itself or the authority figures in the play. This can be seen in the flouting of Prince Escales’ edicts, we see it in Friar Lawrence’s unorthodox methods that go against the societal expectations of a member of the church, as well as in Juliet’s refusal to respect her parent’s expectations and authority.
When Romeo and Juliet comes up in school curriculum any observer can see students eagerly signing up for roles, puzzling over Juliet’s eagerness to marry a stranger, or rehearsing their own unique interpretation of the play. In these moments students are released from the usual monotonous class period and allowed to enjoy a timeless piece of literature. While some may claim that Shakespeare is outdated or difficult to read, the positivities of including it in ninth grade curriculum far outweigh any struggles of comprehension.
Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare. The play is about two young lovers who commit suicide in despair. Although the play discusses serious and sensitive topics, I believe Romeo and Juliet should be taught to high school students because Shakespeare was one of the most influential playwrights of all time. The play also provides priceless skills and knowledge, and increases students skill in understanding text based on context clues.
Romeo’s feelings correlate to society’s ideals whether safety is more important than happiness. This ideal is seen throughout history. Humanity’s pursuit of happiness has been a leading contributor to conflict. America’s Revolutionary War came about due to the American colonies effort for happiness being more important than their fear of risk. Shakespeare revealed how conflict can relate to real
Throughout Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare conveys the theme of conflict in a myriad of forms. This theme of conflict is presented through the characters language and speech, as well as sporadically their actions. Notably, the conflict can be eternal, physical, mental and emotional which allows the audience to gain a deeper understanding of the characters. Furthermore, the idea of conflict is emphasized further when placed in juxtaposition with its antithesis theme love.
Shakespeare's is a standout amongst the most read journalists ever and his composition was successful to the point that not only one gathering of individuals enjoyed it. He did this by identifying with his group of onlookers utilizing all inclusive truths. . Human feelings are not something that change after some time and they are otherwise called all inclusive truths; cherish, loathe, reprisal, and envy are all cases of widespread truths. This play was successful to the point that numerous different films have replicated the plot however changed the landscape. In the course of recent years since this play was composed the world has changed radically, however the feelings and emotions in this play have withstood the trial of time. This is the reason the motion pictures, Romeo and Juliet (1996) and West Side Story (1961) were so fruitful. Shakespeare's play and the two motion pictures displayed after it have numerous likenesses and numerous distinctions, yet one thing stays steady in every one of them, They all utilization widespread truths to identify with their gatherings of people.
Written by William Shakespeare in the 1500’s, Romeo and Juliet is a beloved and well-known play. It is said by some to be the greatest love story of all time, while others say it is depressing and a waste of words. However, it has been taught in school for years! While some say it should be banned, there are many compelling reasons to continue teaching Romeo and Juliet. Romeo and Juliet should continue to be taught in high schools all around the country because it prepares students for future classes and is considered common knowledge, provides countless teaching opportunities, and teaches students how to understand and break apart complex plot lines as well as teaching human interaction
Romeo and Juliet, a story written by Shakespeare. Michael Mark, loves his work. He wrote a argument to a group of college students, to see if he could convince them to read shakespeare. He should be an intrest you consider learning more about, as you go through your education. Mack produces his claim with a series of well written analogy’s and paradoxes. Persuading the group of college students to take an interest and read shakespeare.
Most of the people know what Romeo and Juliet is about and who Shakespeare is. ‘O’ Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?’, this is a very famous quote from Act 2, Scene 2 line 33. Most of the people know or have heard this quote before and this is an evidence that Romeo and Juliet is popular and involves in peoples’ lives. If it is not an interesting play then nobody would know about this play. It was made into movie several times. Many of the story or movie nowadays has referred Romeo and Juliet. This is also an evidence that Romeo and Juliet has a impact on our lives today too. Romeo and Juliet has been popular for a long time. This is another evidence that people thought it is great, that has something that catches peoples’ heart. Learning about what made Romeo and Juliet so good is wonderful for education.
Throughout Romeo and Juliet the theme of conflict is conveyed in many forms, mostly through physical violence; reflected in the era of the Renaissance where there was political turmoil and many European nations were at war. Shakespeare presents the theme in other forms as well; family versus family, sacred versus profane, parent versus child and language versus inner conflict. Conflict is a key in the structure of the play; it is highlighted in the beginning, middle and end. As an audience we are constantly being reminded of conflict which is reflected within the era the play was written in. The Renaissance was the 'rebirth ' of classical learning and was also the time when Science challenged many traditional Christian beliefs which resulted in Catholics fighting Protestants; the Gunpowder plot and the Spanish Armada. Shakespeare chose to dramatise conflict as it was the context in which he was writing plays. It is therefore arguable that this period was characterised by irreconcilable opposites in politics, religion and art. Nothing in the world can exist without its opposite- just as love cannot exist without hate, violence cannot exist without peace.
As the heart-breaking conspiracy of fate in “Romeo and Juliet” unfolds, we watch the character of Romeo developing gradually while, being hinted of the tragedy yet to come. The audience is informed initially about the “star-crossed” lovers however, is left wondering exactly how it happened. Shakespeare chose the name Romeo not only because the story is set in Rome but also for the desolate “o” shape our mouths are left in after saying his name. He uses a variety of oxymorons, clever metaphors and dramatic irony to portray Romeo as a tragic character. Shakespeare presents Romeo as a tragic character by contrasting his end and beginning.
‘Who cares?’ A voice whispered as I flipped through page after page of one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, Romeo and Juliet. At first, I had no idea why anyone would read this play other than for fun, or why it was being taught in an english class that had already covered more difficult and complex concepts. It seemed like a beautifully written but utterly straightforward peace of art that more so belonged in a museum than a classroom of complex thought. As I continued to ponder this question, I came across a popular article in the Washington Post critiquing millennial humor, and while I am not necessarily a millennial, or really a member of any cohesive generation, the humor shown was that
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet – popularly considered by many to be the quintessential love story of all time – is a play that we are all familiar with in one way or another. Whether it be through the plethora of portrayals, adaptations and performances that exist or through your own reading of the play, chances are you have been acquainted with this tale of “tragic love” at some point in your life. Through this universal familiarity an odd occurrence can be noted, one of almost canonical reverence for the themes commonly believed to be central to the plot. The most widely believed theme of Romeo and Juliet is that of the ideal love unable to exist under the harsh social and political strains of this world. Out of this idea emerge two
The titular play of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ by William Shakespeare, suggests a very negative view of the human nature that in all its complexities, is flawed and hinders a very glorified subject of Shakespeare’s from ultimately prevailing: love. The faults of young love, a family feud and the power struggles within the chain of being are all complex products of the human nature that prevented a happy ending. Shakespeare stresses that the lovers were only driven to their suicidal fate by their young love in a very limited time triggering attempts to rebel against the wishes of their feuding families and the chain of being. Shakespeare utilises dramatic
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet discusses the many challenges the ‘star crossed lovers’ face. It is their own deceptive actions that ultimately lead them to their untimely end. However Romeo and Juliet are forced to be deceptive due to their fate and misfortune, the ongoing feud in Verona, and the misleading guidance they receive from others; which also contribute to their deaths. Romeo and Juliet focuses on the theme of love and hate, this theme is interweaved throughout the play.