Write an essay explaining why you think The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet remains so popular. What is it about the characters of The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet that makes it so easy for young people to identify with them? Make at least two references to specific details in the play to support your ideas.
For over four hundred years, William Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ has remained one of the most popular stories and plays of all time. Writers, literary critics and the general public all agree that ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is a story that will never get old. ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is popular because it deals with a variety of issues that most people can relate to. The play deals with themes such as love, hate, death, fighting, and friendship.
In modern times, people find ‘Romeo and Juliet’ enduring for many reasons. It deals with issues that 14+ year olds are dealing with at that time of their lives. Like romeo and juliet most teens and young adults try to get married or see other women without their parents consent because they know that they will reject it. Romeo and Juliet were also very young, which makes many of the characters easy to relate to.
Romeo is relatable to many male teens because even though he is forbidden to talk to Juliet. He does it anyway without his family’s consent. For example in Act II: Scene 2 after Romeo is forbidden to see Juliet he sneaks in the bushes next to her balcony talk to her. Juliet is very relatable because many parents try to pick people to be with their daughters even though their daughters want to pick for themselves. For example, In Act 3 Scene 5 Lady Capulet tells Juliet her plans about how she wanted her to marry another man named Count Paris but Juliet refuses.
Is this ok so far? If it is I cannot come up with a conclusion.
The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet remains so popular for several reasons. Firstly, it explores universal themes that resonate with audiences across different time periods and cultures. Love, hate, death, fighting, and friendship are all themes that people can easily connect with, as they are fundamental experiences of the human condition. Through the passionate and doomed love affair of Romeo and Juliet, the play captures the intensity and complexities of young love, as well as the tragic consequences that can arise from family feuds and societal constraints.
One of the reasons why the characters of Romeo and Juliet are so relatable to young people is their rebellious nature and the desire to make their own choices. In Act II: Scene 2, Romeo defies his family's wishes and sneaks into the Capulet's orchard to see Juliet. This act of rebellion mirrors the experiences of many young people who often find themselves at odds with the expectations and rules set by their parents or society. Romeo's determination to pursue his love for Juliet despite the obstacles and risks involved makes him a relatable and sympathetic character.
Similarly, Juliet's struggle against her parents' plans for her future is something that many young people can identify with. In Act 3 Scene 5, Lady Capulet reveals her intention to have Juliet marry Count Paris, but Juliet refuses, asserting her own desires. The tension and conflict between Juliet's personal desires and her family's expectations highlight the struggle that young people often face in asserting their autonomy and following their own dreams.
Furthermore, the youthfulness of the characters in Romeo and Juliet contributes to its popularity among young people. Romeo and Juliet are portrayed as impulsive, passionate, and idealistic teenagers, which reflects the emotional intensity and volatility of adolescence. Their emotions are raw and immediate, and their actions driven by the intensity of their feelings. This portrayal of youth and the exploration of the complexities of young love make the characters highly relatable to young audiences who may be going through similar experiences.
In conclusion, the enduring popularity of The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet can be attributed to its exploration of universal themes and its relatable characters. The play captures the intensity and complexities of young love, while also addressing broader issues of family feuds and societal constraints. Through the rebellious nature of Romeo and Juliet and their struggle against the expectations of their families, the play resonates with young people who are navigating the challenges of asserting their own desires and making their own choices.