Passion is presented in many ways in the prologue and act 1 scene 1 of Romeo
and Juliet. One of the ways is passionate hate the first hate shown is in the
prologue the two rival families (Montague & Capulet) are said to have an
‘Ancient Grudge’ Which shows their hatred has been going on for a long time
and at this point nobody knows why, they have just been taught to hate each
other, so something very bad must have happened in the past.
The second passionate hate shown in this specific part of the story is the
Montagues biting their thumbs in the market place at the Capulets which then
starts a fight/brawl. This shows hate as even the littlest of things can spark big
fights and cause more issues for the civilians that live in Verona and the
families themselves the rude comments or gestures in this case can cause
injuries and deaths even for those who are not involved in the family’s
business get hurt.
This moves onto another type of passion shown which is passionate anger
from the prince towards the rival families. The prince called the families
‘beasts’ as they caused a brawl in the streets. The word ‘Beast’ also shows that
the families are violent and ready to kill at all times. The prince also makes a
threat towards the families and says that if this happens again that they will
pay with the price of death which foreshadows what comes later in the play.
Sexual passion is also shown when Romeo and Benvolio are talking about
Rosaline. Romeo is saying that Rosaline doesn’t love him and that she wont
sleep with him. And wont ‘ bide th’encounter of assailing eyes’ this meaning
she wont accept what he is trying to give her. He also refers to cupid and how
it hurts to not be loved back by the one you love.
Another sexual passion is shown at the beginning of act one scene one when
the Capulets are talking about how they would ‘take the wall of any man or
maid of the Montagues’ saying that the place on the road (by the wall) is safer
to walk they then continue to talk about how weaker people take the wall
space as they don’t want to be walking where people throw their toilet out of
the window but while talking about this the sexual behaviour is shown through
in subtle ways.
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