John Yowan                                                                                                                 Hour 1

Mrs. Keeley                                                                                                                 Type 3

Freshman English                                                                                                                     

11 May 2003

Romeo and Juliet Theme

 

I do not believe that the romance between Romeo and Juliet reflects teenage love today. My reasons for this are as follows. Romeo and Juliet got married because they loved each other. Most teenagers today do not marry they usually go out for a few months then they break up. Also Romeo and Juliet really loved each other but most teenagers’ now only think that they are in love, this is called infatuation. Another reason I do not think the romance between Romeo and Juliet reflects teenage love today is because most teenagers today just care about looks and sex but Romeo and Juliet cared about more than the way each other looked. They cared for each other and would do anything to be together. I also believe that most teenagers today would not kill themselves when they thought their girlfriend or boyfriend was dead to be with each other like Romeo and Juliet did.

During the time that the story Romeo and Juliet takes place, during the 1500s most people got married when they were in their teens. It was considered normal to be married young. Teenagers were much more mature and independent than the teens of today. They also had many more responsibilities during that time period. People’s life expectancies were not very long during the time period that Romeo and Juliet took place.

I am not in the position to form an opinion or make a judgment call on the elements seen in poplar movies romances, books or television shows as these are not the types of things that I usually watch or read. I usually read or watch shows that are about non-fiction history or religion.  I do not feel that I can make an informed opinion. However in relation to school I have seen no romance that is like the romance in the story of Romeo and Juliet.

I do not think that Shakespeare’s portrayal of teenage romance is realistic for the time period. During the 1500s most of the people got married for land or for peace treaties. Most if not all marriages were arranged marriages. Their parents would decide whom they were going to marry. Vary rarely did people marry for love. Instead they got marred for land and alliances. Romeo and Juliet would most likely not be able to have gotten married. Also most teens do not love each other the way Romeo and Juliet did.