Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet - Essay Example

How do literary devices contribute and relate to the theme "children are victims of their families beliefs attitudes and values" in Shakespears romeo and juliet? Introduction Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is a tragic tale of two lovers who eventually embrace death, due to the unfavorable behaviors of their feudal families. Like other Shakespeare’s works, this piece is an embodiment of the use of refined literary ideas that convey complex meanings and emotions to the reader. Tragedy coupled with mild humor and sarcasm about the then prevailing social behaviors reveals various underlying sociological process that were in action during those times. Shakespeare appears inclined towards promoting the idea that family values, beliefs and attitudes play a major role in determining the personalities of children and in doing so may affect their lives to unbearable extent. Romeo and Juliet appear to be the manifestation of the love that can prevail between different families, provided the families allow their children to interact in ways they consider suitable for themselves. This is however contradictory to the reality and the influence of familial values and beliefs is often profound to the extent of making children crippled, in literal terms. This paper will highlight how the use of various literary devices relates to this theme, in the famous Shakespearean work ‘Romeo and Juliet’. Body Before the onset of story, Shakespeare added a prologue which is in the form of a literary device known as the ‘sonnet’. This 14 lines introduction itself makes use of certain literary devices; one of them is discussed below. It is important to understand the nature of the families that are part of the play. The following words beautifully depict the scenario: Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. (Romeo & Juliet. Prologue. 1-4) The use of word “civil” here is interesting as it is used to convey different meanings. It appears that the word ‘civil’ in the first instance is merely used to refer to people who have no political or other affiliations. In the literary sense, the word ‘civil’ can also portray people who are ordinary and possess qualities like courtesy and respect for others. The literary device used here is ‘irony’ as is manifested by two contrasting meanings of the same word ‘civil’. This can be labeled ‘irony’ since the subsequent story of the play is in sharp contrast to the outline that is being laid in the prologue of the play. The Capulets and Montagues, throughout the play demonstrate characteristics and behaviors that can in no way be regarded as being morally acceptable or courteous. It therefore appears that the use of word ‘civil’ in this context is certainly a portrayal of the irony of the matter. Since the love of Romeo and Juliet is forbidden and both are victims of family values, she is forced to utter the following: How camest thou hither, tell me, and wherefore? The orchard walls are high and hard to climb, And the place death, considering who thou art, If any of my kinsmen find thee here. (2.2.62-65) These lines make use of a literary device known as ‘symbol’. The words ‘orchard walls’ are not real walls; instead they are meant to refer to the hindrances that Romeo is likely to face if he intends to see his beloved. These obstacles may be in the form of physical objects like high walls or in the form of social limitations that are in place that prevent the free intermingling of lovers. Here again, both lovers can be seen as the victims of the values and beliefs that are possessed by their families. There comes a point in the story where Romeo starts to think about love as it was human. This is largely a reflection of his experiences regarding the people that surround him i.e. his family. Since he is a victim of the restrictions that are in place secondary to family values, he is forced to think about love as being harsh and pain-inflicting like the humans. He therefore says: Romeo: “Is love a tender thing? It is too rough, too rude, too boist’rous, and it pricks like thorn” (1.4.25-26). Shakespeare’s use of ‘personification’ appears to be at its extreme in this case. The characteristics depicted in these lines are in total agreement with the previously described characteristics of Capulets and Montagues families. They were rough, rude, and boisterous; and they inflicted every pain to the lovers that they could. This tendency of the families is manifested in this line by Romeo, as he starts to give human values to an intangible thing like love. Due to the ongoing conflicts between families, the children undergo emotional trauma that is manifested in the form of conflicts in their thoughts. Both lovers have to cope with the demands of ongoing familial conflicts while trying to satisfy their emotions for each other. When Tybalt is killed by Romeo, her thought process undergoes a strange transformation, which is manifested in the following lines: A damnèd saint, an honorable villain! O nature, what hadst thou to do in hell When thou didst bower the spirit of a fiend In moral paradise of such sweet flesh? (3.2.85-91) Shakespeare has very beautifully made use of ‘Oxymoron’; Juliet expresses her feelings and then takes back her feelings within the same sentence. For a second she regards him ‘a damned saint’ and then immediately switches her position to declare him ‘an honorable villain”. This is an extremely intelligent way of expressing the inner conflict that is going on in her mind and she is unable to take a decision. Conclusion From the above discussion, it can be concluded that Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet clearly reflects the way in which family values and beliefs victimize the children. Shakespeare’s use of numerous literary devices to express the misery and suffering of such victimized children makes the work a masterpiece and it appears that human emotions have remained the same throughout the centuries. Intelligent use of literary devices by Shakespeare has bestowed an eternal life to Romeo and Juliet, and it appears that the story is still true for many societies of the world. Work Cited Shakespeare, William.  Romeo and Juliet, 1750. Internet resource. Read More