With such young characters Shakespeare creates a greater
intensity with the tragedy of their deaths. Teenagers are regarded as impetuous, intense
and impulsive. The intensity with which Romeo loves Rosaline is acknowledged then
swiftly dismissed as he meets Juliet. Their love for each other and acceptance of each
other's differences -
What's in a name? That which we call a
rose
By any other name would smell as
sweet."
The young
lovers can see beyond the barriers which have bound their families in bitter feud. There
is a poignancy in the fact that their deaths serve to end the
feud.
It must also be considered that Shakespeare
'borrowed' much of the material from other sources to formulate his play. Romeo and
Juliet's story was already known, but it is in the emotion and intense action which
results in the tragedy we know today. The youth of the characters emphasises their
vulnerability but also their capacity for change and acceptance - values which the
adults in the play have to learn as a bitter lesson.
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