Journal #7 - Heroes or Fools?

Act 5

      I think Romeo and Juliet are both heroes and fools. Their actions of suicide are quite foolish because the decisions to do so are very rash and don't have much thought put into them. However, these actions result in the end of the Capulet's and Montague's quarreling. In Act 5, Scene 3, lines 305-306, the Prince says ,"A glooming peace this morning with it brings. The sun for sorrow will not show his head." The Prince says this after Lord Montague and Lord Capulet have sworn peace. The Prince is making a very good summary of the situation with the words "glooming peace" because Romeo and Juliet have died/committed suicide, but it brought and end to the two families' fighting. Therefore, I think Romeo and Juliet are both fools and heroes because of their actions.

Journal #6 - Villian or Complex Human Being?

Act 4

     I think that Shakespeare presents the Capulets as complex human beings, not as villians. Earlier in the play, Capulet is very merry and tolerant because in Act 1, Tybalt tells Lord Capulet of Romeo's presence at the party, but Capulet just brushes it off and tells Tybalt to leave Romeo alone. In Act 1, Scene 5, lines 63-66, Capulet tells Tybalt,"Content thee, gentle coz, let him alone. 'A bears him like a portly gentleman, And, to say truth, Verona brags of him To be a virtuous and well-governed youth." This shows that Capulet can be merry and tolerant. However, later in the play, Capulet is very stern and intolerant because, in Act 3, when Juliet refuses to marry Paris, Capulet calls Juliet an ungrateful child and says he will disown Juliet if she does not  marry Paris. In Act 3, Scene 5, lines 154-157, Capulet says,"To go with Paris to Saint Peter's Church, Or I will thee on a hurdle thither. Out, you green-sickness carrion! out, you baggage! You tallow face!" This shows that Capulet can be stern and intolerant. This is why I think Shakespeare presents the Capulets as complex human beings.  

Journal #5 - Reactions

Act 3, Scenes 1-3

     
     I think Romeo and Juliet are very loving and caring yet enamoring characters because they have similar reactions to Romeo's banishment. Juliet is very saddened by Romeo's banishment as she might die a widow before ever truly being a wife. In Act 3, Scene 2, lines 135-137, Juliet says,"But I, a maid, die maiden-widowed. Come, cords; come, nurse. I'll to my wedding bed; And death, not Romeo, take my maidenhead!" Romeo is deeply saddened that he may never be able to see Juliet again. In Act 3, Scene 3, lines 29-33, Romeo says,"'Tis torture, and not mercy. Heaven is here Where Juliet lives; and every cat and dog And little mouse, every unworthy thing, live here in heaven and may look on her; But Romeo may not." Seeing as both are depressed and saddened by the fact that they may never see each other again, I can see that they are both very loving and caring towards each other. However, they have known each other on a personal level for about two or three days and have been married for just a few hours, making me think that they easily fall in love and are very enamoring people.

Journal #4 - Is it Worth It?

 Act 2, Scenes 3-6

    I do somewhat agree with Romeo's statement because Romeo and Juliet's love will be a joyful time for the both of them and could potentially end the horrible quarrel between the Capulets and Montagues. Their love, even if it cost them their lives, will make their last few days feel bliss and will end the fighting between the two families. In Act 2, Scene 6, lines 6-8, Romeo's exact statement is,"Do thou but close our hands with holy words, Then love-devouring death do what he dare— It is enough I may but call her mine." Romeo is saying that death can take him the day after his and Juliet's marriage is official, but Romeo just wants to be able to call Juliet his wife. Their marriage could end the seemingly endless squabble between the Capulets and the Montagues, and it would make both Romeo and Juliet extremely happy to be with the one they "love". This is why I agree with Romeo's statement.

Journal #3 - Shallow or Inspiring Love?

Act 2, Scenes 1-2

     I think that the love Romeo and Juliet have for each other is shallow and fake. I may just believe this because I have never experienced this wondrous thing called love, but I just don't think Romeo and Juliet truly love each other. It appears they fell for each other's looks and never sought for each other's character traits and personality. For example, in Act 2, Scene 2, in lines 15-19, Romeo says, "Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven, Having some business, do entreat her eyes To twinkle in their spheres till they return. What if her eyes were there, they in her head? The brightness of her cheeks would shame those stars". Romeo is only speaking of Juliet's outer beauty, paying no mind to the inner beauty she may or may not hold. Like I said before, I have never experienced love, so the love they share may be love at first sight, like so many people believe in. However, I do not believe this, and therefore think Romeo and Juliet's love for each other is shallow and fake. 

Journal #2 - Is Mercutio Romeo's Foil?

Act 1, Scenes 4-5

     I think Mercutio is a character who enjoys joking around and likes to make things not so serious. He likes to keep things light and airy. Romeo mopes around and acts severely depressed, thus making it seem like Mercutio is Romeo's foil. In Act 1, Scene 4, line 52, Romeo says, "In bed asleep, while they do dream things true", and Mercutio responds, in lines 53-56, "O, then I see Queen Mab has been with you. She is the fairies' midwife, and she comes In shape no bigger than an agate stone On the forefinger of an alderman..." Mercutio is making a lighthearted joke about how Romeo thinks dreams actually mean something. This shows their opposite opinions on the matter and shows another reason as to why Mercutio is Romeo's foil. 

Journal #1 - Romeo

Act 1, Scene 1    
   
     I think Romeo is a person who easily becomes infatuated or enamored with something or someone. For example, when talking to Benvolio in Act 1, Scene 1, in lines 178-181 he says, "Why, such is love's transgression. Griefs of mine own lie heavy in my breast, Which thou will propagate, to have it prest With more of thine." Romeo is complaining to Benvolio about the pain he is feeling from a young woman he saw. Romeo became infatuated with this young lady and soon found his heart aching at the thought that this lady might never be a woman he can call his own. This is why I think he is a person who becomes easily obsessed over something or someone.