Romeo and Juliet's First Meeting

When the two “star-crossed” lovers of Romeo and Juliet first met, it is more than reasonable to conclude that from their immediate actions towards each other, they were both impetuous and reckless. Though the possibility of love at first sight laid in the balance, it was ultimately apparent that young children of only ages 13 (Juliet) and 14 (Romeo) could not possibly feel ‘true love’ or be emotionally mature enough to make knowledgeable decisions about their future. In addition, their decision of kissing within five minutes of first greeting and marriage one day later, provided the best examples of how misinformed teenagers’ choices can be.
1 year ago
In terms of Romeo’s attitude towards girls/women, he clearly does not show a high regard for them and seems to expect a girl or woman to say ‘yes’ to anything he asks for. This is observed during the Rosaline scene but also depicted during the garden/balcony scene. Romeo is relieved after Juliet consented marrying him as seen in the extract on page 91[145] “Too flattering-sweet to be substantial” which is understandable but also unusual that he would expect a girl he had met that same night to consider marrying him with minimal knowledge of his personality, lifestyle, habits etc.
1 year ago
In another excellent example, (before he met Juliet) Romeo describes his encounter with Rosaline in a highly eyebrow raising manner when he said “nor ope her lap to saint-seducing gold” (page 35, [208]) after Rosaline refused to begin an intimate relationship with him. It demonstrated just how desperate Romeo was for a girl, even going to the lengths of payment to satisfy his intentions. The line itself suggested Romeo’s disrespect towards girls/women and possibly roots from his lack of interaction with females, pressure to feel grown up and like a man by older peers or the minds of most young boys going through puberty as he himself was. He also stated “o, she is rich in beauty” (page 35 [208]) which although is a...