Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Everyone Dies. The End.

Sorry if the title gave anything away. But it's true.
I finished Romeo and Juliet, in case you couldn't tell. And turns out, it doesn't get any better towards the end at all. It only gets worse. Seriously, everyone in this story is all annoying and whiny and lovey and GAH WHY DOES EVERYONE HAVE TO LOVE EVERYONE TO DEATH-
*deep breath
Anyways. I wrote an essay about the theme of tragedy, as follows. Enjoy.


Romeo and Juliet is a good example of classical tragedy. Shakespeare portrayed this theme throughout the play, affecting everything the characters do, and greatly changing the plot itself. It begins to show from very close to the beginning, when Romeo is depressed about his newest romance issues. No amount of consolation or encouragement from his friends can pull him from his misery.
This changes when he meets the love of his life, Juliet. But of course, they are from rival houses, and are not allowed to love each other. Now, the tragedy is in full swing, as Romeo and Juliet try their hardest to love each other, though it seems no one else wants them to. Juliet, of course, is being forced to marry Paris, which causes more problems.
She decides to pretend to die (tragic death), hoping she can escape the arranged marriage. But she fools even Romeo, who after learning of her death, decides he will kill himself. He goes to Juliet’s tomb to end his own life, but ends up getting in a fight with Paris. He kills Paris (more death) then kills himself at Juliet’s side (more death). Juliet awakens to find Romeo dead, and so kills herself (more death), so they may be together forever. In the end, the family rivalry ends (albeit it at a price) as the Montagues and Capulets find the dead couple. Using tragic themes such as forbidden love, bitter feuds, underlying anger, and overall sadness, Shakespeare creates an air of tragedy and woe around all who read Romeo and Juliet. 


So yeah. Everyone dies. Enjoy.

Book- Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (Yep, the next one)
Video Game- Star Fox 64 (Totally re-discovered this. It's so amazing)
Music- Atlantis- Deas Vail
Classical- The Planets- Holst

See you all tomorrow! Have a nice day/week!

3 comments:

  1. I totally agree! The characters seem to be pawns in the midst of Shakespeare's themes, instead of the theme being built around their experiences. Though a great example of a tragedy, I didn't particularly like the ending of Romeo and Juliet either. Loving each other to death.... not necessarily a healthy behavior. Romeo and Juliet don't understand that life goes on!!!

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  2. I agree with your opinion on the play itself, and how the play never gets better, only worse. Overall, good essay!

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