Love

Love is one of the most important themes that is presented throughout the play. This comes as no surprise with Romeo and Juliet being arguably the most archetypal love story known to the English language. The love that is portrayed throughout is very specific being young, irrational, and passionate love. It is, in the minds of Romeo and Juliet as well as the audience, pure and exhilarating as the young couple are prepared to devote everything to their love, including their lives. However, the love in the play is also destructive as it brings devastation to the two families, heartbreak to friends, and chaos to the citizens of Verona. Throughout the duration of the play the connection between love, loss, and violence is strengthened with its ultimate expression occurring in the climate of the play with the suicide of both Romeo and Juliet.