Topic > Control in the play of Romeo and Juliet

IndexBodyConclusionBibliographyWilliam 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 young and impulsive protagonist, tries to control various aspects of his life, including his emotions, destiny, and relationships. This essay will analyze Romeo's desire for control and the consequences of his attempts to manipulate circumstances. By examining specific examples in the text, it becomes evident that Romeo's tireless pursuit of control ultimately leads to tragic results for both himself and those around him. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Body From the beginning of the play, it is clear that Romeo is driven by his emotions. He falls deeply in love with Juliet 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 towards 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, trying to exert control over his mind and heart. It can be argued that Romeo's desire for emotional control stems from his fear of being consumed by his intense emotions. He wants to avoid being overwhelmed by his love for Juliet, as he believes this will cloud his judgment. However, his attempts to control his emotions only serve to add to the tragedy. Suppressing his true feelings, Romeo fails to communicate effectively with Juliet, leading to misunderstandings and ultimately their untimely deaths. Furthermore, Romeo's desire to control his emotions also reflects society's expectations of men during the Shakespearean era. Men were expected to be stoic and rational, and any display of vulnerability or excessive emotion was considered a weakness. Romeo's struggle to control his emotions can be seen as a reflection of the social 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 own 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 external forces. Romeo desires to be in control of his own destiny, free from the constraints of fate. However, his attempts to manipulate his circumstances only serve to 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 the odds and overcome the predetermined path set for him. However, Shakespeare's work serves as a reminder that humans are not always in control of their own destiny, and that attempts to resist or manipulate fate often lead to 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 have never seen true beauty until this night.", 1992.