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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