First of all, Romeo ignores his instincts which is demonstrated by the numerous examples of foreshadowing within the play. His failure to listen to his inner voice ultimately leads to his own death. Romeo mentions how he fears “too early, for [his] mind misgives/Some consequence yet hanging in the stars/Shall bitterly begin his fearful date/With this night’s revels, and expire the term/Of a despised life closed in [his] breast/By some vile forfeit of untimely death./But he that hath the steerage of my course,/Direct [his] sail. On, lusty gentlemen” (1.4.107-114). As a result of Romeo’s ongoing depression and his inability to take charge of his life, he leaves his destiny up to fate. Before going to the party, he mentions how his “mind misgives” …show more content…
Romeo is on a metaphorical boat and if there is no captain, then the rough seas would steer his course which leaves him to suffer the consequences. Romeo’s lack of attention to his life leads to his inevitable death, and ultimately surrenders. Furthermore, Romeo asks Friar Lawrence to marry him and Juliet together, but conversely, even though he performs the marriage, Friar Lawrence believes that their marriage was not perfect for them. He indicates how “violent delights have violent ends/And in their triumph die, like fire and powder,/Which, as they kiss, consume” (2.6.9-11). In response to Romeo’s request for Friar Lawrence to conduct their marriage, the Friar fears their lives will come to an end. When he is talking with Romeo, Friar Lawrence says that his “delight” for Juliet will quickly come to a halt. The phrase “fire and powder” is implying how “powder” can be ignited by “fire”, and the burst it creates will not last long, just like there is a joyful time when the couple’s love is not interrupted by anything. Also, since it burns so quickly, Friar Lawrence is inferring that Romeo’s passion for Juliet will instantaneously expire after his …show more content…
During the time when he sees Juliet for the first time, Romeo’s emotions fluctuate, and forgets who his other loved one, Rosaline, is. He says how “she [Juliet] doth teach the torches to burn bright!/It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night/Like a rich jewel in an Ethiope’s ear” (1.5.42-44). Romeo’s feelings for Juliet are highlighted when he first sees her in person. The line “she doth teach the torches to burn bright” is expressing how their love is so intense since fire can connote intensity. In addition, he says Juliet “burn[s] bright” “upon the cheek of night”. During the night, the only thing that burns bright are the stars, and since “stars” connote fate, this conveys how if their love is so bright, then their relationship will end up in the lines of fate. Clearly, Romeo thinks Juliet is the brightest star of all, and this point is heightened when he compares her to a “rich jewel in an Ethiope’s ear”. A “jewel” connotes admiration, thus suggesting the fact that if there are a group of black people and if Juliet stands next to them, she would stand out so much because she is so bright. When Romeo’s feelings for Juliet are compared to two black things, his desire for Juliet is more pronounced. To continue, Romeo’s passion for her is portrayed through the use of celestial imagery, which connotes both joy and speed. He sees Juliet on the