Compare Romeo’s behavior before he meets Juliet with his behavior after they declare their love for each other. What do you learn about Romeo from the change in behavior?
He didn't really love Rosaline?
To answer this question, let's start by examining Romeo's behavior before he meets Juliet. Before encountering Juliet, Romeo is depicted as a lovesick and melancholic individual due to his unrequited love for Rosaline. He is often seen expressing his despair and longing for Rosaline, using extravagant language to describe his lovesickness.
Now, to understand the change in Romeo's behavior after he declares his love for Juliet, we need to analyze the text. After meeting Juliet and falling deeply in love with her, Romeo undergoes a significant transformation. His previously melancholic and despondent demeanor gives way to a more passionate, energetic, and impulsive nature. He becomes more talkative, witty, and eloquent in expressing his feelings for Juliet.
One essential aspect to note is the sudden shift in Romeo's language. His words become imbued with poetic beauty and romantic ardor when speaking of Juliet, different from his previous descriptions concerning Rosaline.
Moreover, Romeo also becomes more impulsive and daring in his actions. He ignores the longstanding feud between their families, risking everything to pursue his love for Juliet. This change is evident in his willingness to secretly marry Juliet, challenging societal expectations and defying the enmity between their families.
From this change in behavior, we can infer that Romeo's feelings for Rosaline were not as profound as he initially believed. The intensity of his infatuation with Juliet marks a genuine and transformative love. The contrast between his behavior before and after meeting Juliet showcases that Romeo finally found true love and a purpose in life, which Rosaline could not provide.