Romeo and Juliet
1. An introduction that specifically states your thesis. In your introduction, you should include a very brief summary of your three major arguments. Begin your paper with something that grabs your reader’s attention (a “hook”). A hook can be a question, a surprising statistic, or a strong statement.
2. You should then devote one paragraph to each reason. In each of these paragraphs, you need to support your reason with facts, examples, and other support from the book. Two of your reasons should be in support of your point of view, and one paragraph should argue against a contrary point of view. A good writer anticipates opposing arguments and explains why they are unsound. For all your support from the book, include the act and scene numbers and put direct quotes in quotation marks.
3. Conclude with a summary of your main points. Also include a “call to action.” This is a brief statement of what you believe the reader should do or believe as a result of your arguments.
In William Shakespeare's tragic play, Romeo and Juliet, the theme of love and its consequences is explored through the ill-fated romance between the two young lovers. Despite the obstacles they face, including their feuding families and societal expectations, Romeo and Juliet's love remains passionate and unwavering. Through an analysis of the text, it is evident that love is a powerful force that can both unite and destroy.
One reason to support this thesis is the intense and impulsive nature of Romeo and Juliet's love. From the moment they meet at the Capulet's party, their connection is instantaneous and all-consuming. Romeo describes Juliet as a "holy shrine" and declares, "Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! / For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night" (Act 1, Scene 5). This deep and immediate connection underscores the intensity of their feelings for each other, resulting in their willingness to defy their families and the societal norms that seek to keep them apart.
Another reason to support this thesis is the tragic consequences of Romeo and Juliet's love. Despite their passion, their love ultimately leads to their untimely deaths. This is evident in the final act of the play when Romeo mistakenly believes Juliet is dead and takes his own life in despair. Juliet wakes to find Romeo dead, and in her grief, she also chooses to end her own life. This tragic ending serves as a reminder of the power of love to both unite and destroy, highlighting the complex and sometimes destructive nature of romantic love.
On the contrary, some may argue that Romeo and Juliet's love is merely infatuation and not true love. They may point to the fact that the two young lovers barely knew each other before declaring their love, and that their relationship was based more on physical attraction than emotional connection. However, it is important to consider the context of the play and the societal norms of the time, which placed a heavy emphasis on arranged marriages and social status. In this light, Romeo and Juliet's love can be seen as a rebellion against these constraints, a defiance of the expectations placed upon them.
In conclusion, Romeo and Juliet's love is a powerful and tragic force that ultimately leads to their demise. Despite the obstacles they face and the societal norms that seek to keep them apart, their love remains unyielding and passionate. Through an examination of the text, it is clear that love can both unite and destroy, highlighting the complexities of romantic relationships. As readers, we are challenged to consider the true nature of love and the consequences of following one's heart.