Main Features From Romeo and Juliet

Working on the posters this week really put into perspective how developed the world is in Romeo and Juliet. From character change, sound, symbolism, and time, every detail is carefully thought out. However, the two most important takeaways that I received from this project was on the analyzation of time and character development.

What stood out to me most from our class activity was the subject time. I think how Shakespeare utilizes and manipulates time’s speed is genius. Whenever someone is enjoying themselves, it seems that time flies by. In Romeo and Juliet, both of the two main characters fell victim to this. When they first saw each other and fell in love, it is clear that time goes by fast. In the following quote, Juliet is quick to point this out when Romeo has to leave after visiting her: “Wilt thou be gone? It is not yet near day.” (3.5.1) When they are able to express their love for one another, Romeo and Juliet feel as though their time speeds by them. However, to the audience, it may feel longer. It is also important to note that Romeo and Juliet mostly express their love only during the night. However, once the night becomes day, reality sets into place. During the day Romeo and Juliet are separated, and many tragedies take place, for example, Tybalt and Mercutio’s death. That being said, we (the readers) can assume that night symbolizes love, while day represents tragedy.

Another pattern that I found interesting was the character development and change. While many characters had one catalytic moment that made them change, others did not. For example, once the Montagues and Capulets find out that each of their child has died because their love was forbidden, they decided to put their differences aside. However, for Juliet, She gradually changes and develops into a more mature character. Originally, Juliet was immature, however, once her love for Romeo becomes more complex and serious, as does Juliet herself. This is shown when she is willing to go to extremes and die for her love: “Be not long to speak, I long to die, If what thou speak’st speak not of remedy.” (4.1.66-67) Other characters do change, just more rapidly. For example, the nurse starts off as a character whose main purpose is to provide the audience with comedic relief, however, once Juliet dies, she is immediately changed into a more deep, serious person. Once the nurse develops from a comedic character into one that is more solemn, the true tragedy of the plot is emphasized. Suddenly, there is no longer any distraction from the sadness, and the audience is left to dwell on the situation that the plot presents.

This project was extremely beneficial. It allowed me to pull key concepts from the play and to analyze them and their full impact. Yes, many important features of the play were discussed, yet I found that time and character development was of the most importance.