Romeo and Juliet Themes

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William Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet delves into the major themes of destiny and love, using imagery of light and darkness to express them. The theme of destiny is exposed throughout the entire play by omens that hint that the stars have predetermined the lover’s future. However, love is the dominant theme in the play; it is the passion of love that united Romeo and Juliet; that also took their lives. This tragedy is inundated with images of light and darkness, which aids the characters to express their true emotions. Destiny is the hidden power believed to determine what will happen in the future. It is evident from the beginning of the play that destiny is involved. The prologue states that Romeo and Juliet are ‘star cross’d lovers’ (Prologue 6), which is referring to the inevitability of fate. It is not only felt by the audience, but the characters are conscious of it too. Romeo and Juliet frequently notice signs, such as when Romeo believes that Juliet is dead, he cried, ‘then I defy you, stars,’ (Act V, Scene I, Line 24) confirming the idea that Romeo and Juliet’s love, was not a part of their fate. The mechanism of destiny is clear in all areas involving the lovers: the feud between their families, the disasters that ruin Friar Lawrence’s plans and the tragic timing of Romeo’s suicide and Juliet’s awakening. These are not simple coincidences, but a manifestation of destiny, which causes the unavoidable deaths of Romeo and Juliet. “If only...” If only the letter was delivered to Romeo, if only Juliet had woken up sooner, if only fate was on their side. Against all odds, Romeo and Juliet did not give up their love for each other, right to the very end. Love is undoubtedly the play’s prevailing theme. It focuses on romantic love, above all, the fiery passion that is created at first sight between Romeo and Juliet. In the play, love is a fierce,
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