Romeo and Juliet
My inference on the character Romeo; was he really in love with Juliet?
On Section 1, Act 1, scene 1 line 105-110 is when Romeo is first mentioned; Shakespeare brought the intention, towards the audience of this character being seen as a troubled and disrupted person, although before this, he entwines the audience with the notion of Romeo being a hero…
“…Came more and more, and fought on part and part, till the Prince came, which parted either part…”- Benvolio
“… O where is Romeo? Saw you him today? Right glad I am he was not at this fray...”- Lady Montague
Benvolio is portrayed as a shield towards Romeo and his pride; he is most graciously placing Romeo in a better light, for Romeo’s sake; he talks to Lord Montague of a battle that has taken place, “…set this ancient quarrel new abroach…” this is a feud between families, and he tells of the “… breathed defiance…” and of the “… interchanging thrusts and blows…” but only mentions Romeo as the one to appear and “…who parted either part…”. The question that would surely arise towards the medieval audience is; wouldn’t a noble protect the pride of his family and his comrades? Would he not exchange blows with the enemy and create an achievement? Almost immediately true colours are presented towards that audience; he is a selfish coward. Lady Montague, picks up on the fact that Romeo is not a part of the “fray…”, she is glad about it. Shouldn’t a noble be able to have pride towards her son, it as if she is talking about a mere playground fight. Not only this but she even asks of the whereabouts of her son to his cousin, does she have to sought out his location is there no trust or is there a current dilemma.
The further guidance towards the reality of this character and his family’s views upon Romeo is Benvolio’s continuing comment; this not only reveals how self-conceited this character is but of his insolence, can you really say for sure if it was sought out love that gained Romeo’s interest in Juliet or