Since Romeo and Juliet's "violent delights has a violent ends" in only three days, a conclusive judgment upon the quality of their love is difficult, if not impossible. However, there is no question that theirs is an instant attraction, "a violent delight," and must, therefore, involve the physical senses. As such their love must be erotic, and, thus, an infatuation.
However, there are indications that this infatuation could mature into true love since Romeo unselfishly puts himself in the way of Tybalt's sword and explosive temper as he seeks to allay the situation between the Capulet and his friend, Mercutio. Romeo tells Tybalt that he loves the man; a statement that reflects no infatuation, of course, but an unselfish desire to ameliorate the feelings of antipathy between Tybalt and the Montagues in order to bring peace to the families of which he is part.
Later, that Romeo is willing to die rather than live without Juliet, and does not display this self-sacrifice for love even as he bemoans the loss of Rosalind seems to indicate that his love for Juliet goes beyond the physical level and mental level of mere delight of being in love with love, a characteristic of infatuation. Hopelessly devoted to Juliet as his ideal and as his reason for living, Romeo possesses the qualities of true love. The purity of their love is certainly exemplified in the sonnet that they share in which the metaphor of two religious pilgrims personifies their feelings.
Juliet, too, seems equally devoted. As she mourns Tybalt, whom she has long loved as a family member, she feels equally troubled for Romeo. In fact, life has little meaning for her without Romeo. Yet, as with Romeo, Juliet's impetuosity leaves doubt in many readers as to the maturity of the lovers' feelings, as well as the depth of these emotions and ideas.
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