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Essay / Control in Romeo and Juliet
Table of ContentsBodyConclusionBibliography William Shakespeare's tragic play Romeo and Juliet explores the theme of control through the desires and actions of the main characters. Throughout the text, Romeo, the impulsive young protagonist, seeks to control various aspects of his life, including his emotions, his destiny, and his relationships. This essay will analyze Romeo's desire for control and the consequences of his attempts to manipulate his situation. By examining specific examples from the text, it becomes apparent that Romeo's relentless quest for control ultimately leads to tragic results for both himself and those around him. Say no to plagiarism. Get a custom essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayBodyFrom the beginning of the play, it is clear that Romeo is motivated by his emotions. He falls deeply in love with Juliette at first sight, and this infatuation becomes the driving force behind much of his behavior. However, Romeo also desires to control his emotions, particularly his tendency toward impulsiveness. This is evident when he says, “Oh, teach me how I should forget to think!” (1.1.224). Romeo wishes to suppress his thoughts and feelings, seeking to exert control over his own mind and heart. It can be argued that Romeo's desire for emotional control comes from his fear of being consumed by his intense emotions. He wants to avoid letting himself be overwhelmed by his love for Juliette, because he thinks it could cloud his judgment. However, his attempts to control his emotions only make the tragedy worse. By suppressing his true feelings, Romeo fails to communicate effectively with Juliet, leading to misunderstandings and ultimately their untimely deaths. Additionally, Romeo's desire to control his emotions also reflects society's expectations of men in the Shakespearean era. Men were expected to be stoic and rational, and any display of vulnerability or excessive emotion was considered weakness. Romeo's struggle to control his emotions can be seen as a reflection of the societal pressures that influenced his behavior. In addition to his desire to control his emotions, Romeo also seeks to control his destiny. Throughout the play, he repeatedly expresses his belief in predestination and the idea that his life is governed by a higher power. However, Romeo's desire for control clashes with his belief in destiny, leading to constant internal conflict. Romeo's desire to control his destiny is evident in his words when he says, "I am a fool of fortune!" (3.1.136). This statement reflects his frustration at being at the mercy of outside forces. Romeo longs to control his own destiny, free from the constraints of fate. However, his attempts to manipulate his situation only further entangle him in a web of tragedy. It can be argued that Romeo's desire to control his destiny is a reflection of his youth and naivety. He believes he can defy all odds and overcome the predetermined path set before him. However, Shakespeare's play reminds us that human beings are not always masters of their destiny and that attempts to resist or manipulate destiny often result in disastrous consequences. Finally, Romeo's desire for control extends to his relationships, particularly his relationship with Juliet. From the moment they meet, Romeo is driven by the need to possess and control Juliet. This desire is evident when he says, “I never saw true beauty until this night” (1.5.53). Romeo sees Juliet as an object to be won and conquered, rather than a person with agency and autonomy. THE, 1992.