I think the first thing to do would be to make a distinction between infatuation and love. Infatuation is defined as a strong but foolish adoration.
Juliet can be shown to be feeling a strong but foolish adoration for Romeo based on her speech and actions. In Act 1, Scene V Juliet, upon first meeting Romeo, literally kisses him twice during a dance in her home. (lines 104-110) After doing so, she identifies him as "[her] only love" (136)
Even by the end of Act 1, Juliet knows nothing about Romeo aside from his looks, his kissing ability, and the fact that he is a Montague. At this point, I would argue that to experience love, a person should know a bit more about another individual.
THE NEXT DAY, Juliet (in the famous balcony scene) tells Romeo she is feeling "[her] true love's passion" (line 104) Following this, Romeo proposes marriage, and Juliet accepts. Again, she has learned nothing about him.
This infatuation is not only overcoming Juliet, however. It also consumes Romeo, and this infatuation is recognized for what it is by Friar Lawrence in the next scene, after Romeo asks him to perform the ceremony, "Holy Saint Francis! What a change is here! Is Rosaline, that thou didst love so dear, So soon forsaken? Young men's love then lies Not truly in their hearts, but in their eyes." (65-68) Friar Lawrence recognizes the same emotion Juliet demonstrates mirrored in Romeo.
There are more examples along this vein, but I believe those examples would support your point. Hope it helps!
No comments:
Post a Comment