Individual Versus Society
Romeo and Juliet struggle to fight against the number of obstacles that society throws at them which finds the existence of their relationship to be guilty. Varying from forms such as families where as the father has authority over everything, religion, and the social necessity of male honour. Many times these factors conflict each other, but these social issues create an obstacle for Romeo and Juliet to overcome.
The power that the father holds in Renaissance families, especially over the females. This puts Juliet in a very vulnerable position because in her family's mind, her heart is not for her to give.
Similarly to religion, Romeo and Juliet's intensity of love does not allow them to abide to the priorities implied for. Although the couple manages to maintain majority of the traditions, -getting married before expressing their love for one another- they think of each other in irreligious terms. Juliet says “the god of my idolatry,” (2.1.156) putting Romeo at the same level as God. However, the lovers' feelings are so intense that one can say it is one hundred per cent pure love.
As male honour comes in tact, Romeo is forced to take action where he would rather avoid. Such as his revenge against Tybalt when Mercutio is slayed. But the social emphasis on the honour of masculinity is so profound that Romeo does not have enough strength to go against it.
Romeo and Juliet struggle to fight against the number of obstacles that society throws at them which finds the existence of their relationship to be guilty. Varying from forms such as families where as the father has authority over everything, religion, and the social necessity of male honour. Many times these factors conflict each other, but these social issues create an obstacle for Romeo and Juliet to overcome.
The power that the father holds in Renaissance families, especially over the females. This puts Juliet in a very vulnerable position because in her family's mind, her heart is not for her to give.
Similarly to religion, Romeo and Juliet's intensity of love does not allow them to abide to the priorities implied for. Although the couple manages to maintain majority of the traditions, -getting married before expressing their love for one another- they think of each other in irreligious terms. Juliet says “the god of my idolatry,” (2.1.156) putting Romeo at the same level as God. However, the lovers' feelings are so intense that one can say it is one hundred per cent pure love.
As male honour comes in tact, Romeo is forced to take action where he would rather avoid. Such as his revenge against Tybalt when Mercutio is slayed. But the social emphasis on the honour of masculinity is so profound that Romeo does not have enough strength to go against it.
