Thursday, March 26, 2020
Bob Dylan Poetry free essay sample
A comparison of recordings of Bob Dylans All along the Watchtower by Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix offers a vivid case study of what Samuel Floyd characterizes as the complementary oppositions of African- and European-derived musical processes and events. The song itself draws together elements of ballad and blues traditions; and the two recordings treat this synthesis in very different ways even as they share the common ground of late 1960s rock. Dylans is a spare, acoustic folk-rock rendition, while Hendrixs is an opulent electric spectacle whose sonic and syntactic conception npacks the latent drama only suggested by the original. In the process, Hendrix offers an alternative answer to the songs existential dilemma implied in its lyrics and emphasized in its musical setting. This paper examines the elements and the workings of the dialogic interaction represented first of all in Dylans song, and then in the transformation it undergoes in Hendrixs version. We will write a custom essay sample on Bob Dylan Poetry or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page His use of language was unusual, and called attention to itself by Juxtaposing words and images not usually associated with each other. In contrast, All Along The Watchtower is spare and restrained. The song consists of only three verses, with no chorus. The language is simple. Yet the three verses are packed with meaning and drama. Lets see how it starts. There must be some kind of way out of here, OSaid the Joker to the thief. Notice how Dylan starts the song by throwing us into the middle of a conversation, and begins with an urgent statement. We dont know where the here is from which the speaker wants to escape, but we know he wants out. The sense of drama is immediate. We find out that the two people speaking are the joker and the thief. These are archetypal characters that have existed in one form r another for thousands of years. By identifying them in this way, Dylan invokes a sense of timelessness. Because these fgures are broad archetypes, there is already a suggestion that this might be a parable of some sort, a story whose essence remains the same over many different times, places and characters. The Joker, or Jester, can be seen in general to represent the artist: s omeone whose role is to amuse other members of the established order, but also to provoke them, to suggest alternate ways of looking at reality. And, of course, the Joker and the thief are both outsiders of sort, united in their separation from more ordered segments of society. Theres too much confusion, 01 cant get no relief. 0Businessmen, they drink my wine, OPIowmen dig my earth. ONone of them along the line 0Know what any of it is worth. The rest of the verse tells us why the Joker wants to escape: there is too much confusion. But what is confused? Others are benefiting from his labors, and working for him to help produce the results. But neither understands the worth of their efforts. So the confusion is about values: what is valuable and what is not. No reason to get xcited, 0The thief he kindly spoke. 0There are many here among us OWho feel that life is but a Joke. 0But you and l, weve been through that, OAnd this is not our fate. So let us not talk falsely now, 0The hour is getting late. The second verse begins with the thief speaking kindly to the Joker. This adverb lets us know that he is sympathetic and that he, perhaps, understands the worth of the Joker and his efforts. the thief and the Joker know better, having lived through that. So while others may still be confused, these two are not. Since they understand the value of life, it is mportant for them to be truthful with one another. Then the last line of the verse brings us back from exposition to a sense of drama and movement, and impending action: the hour is getting late. All along the watchtower, OPrinces kept the view, 0 While all the women came and went â⬠0Barefoot servants too. 00utside in the cold distance, OA wildcat did growl. 0Two riders were approaching, and 0The wind began to howl. The beginning of this final verse suddenly shifts the scene, without at first giving us any sense of how this new setting connects to the first one. In contrast to the first two verses, which were full of conversation, this verse unfolds almost cinematically, full of visual imagery. This new scene is populated with princes, women, and barefoot servants, establishing a time and place in the past, although again using enduring, archetypal fgures. These fgures guarding their castle seem to represent established society, and the existing power structure. But what are they guarding against? A wildcat growls from a distance, suggesting the savage, untamed power of nature lurking Just beyond the well-ordered lights of the castle. Then we see the two riders approaching. Suddenly, in only four words, the first two verses are connected with the last. With a sort of cinematic establishing shot, but used at the end of the story rather than the beginning, we see the thief and the Joker approaching the castle. We already know that they want to establish a different set of values, one based on the worth of human life. Their approach towards the guarded castle suggests an impending confrontation. And then the last line of the song strengthens this suggestion with imagery of a furious storm starting to build. Note how this last verse has made physical the relationships suggested in the previous lines. The thief, Joker and wildcat are all placed outside the castle, which is occupied by princes and servants. So we now have, in a very concrete sense, independent outsiders and a rigid power hierarchy. Dylans accomplishment here is nothing less than amazing. In the space of a few verses, in a song so spare it could almost be missed as a throw-away, Dylan manages to accomplish all of the following. Summarizes his own life to date. Given his earlier efforts to make pointed fun f almost everything around him, and his near-fatal motorcycle crash that marked a turning point in his career, it is hard not to see the Joker as Dylan himself. He has now learned that life is not a Joke, and distinguishes between artists and outsiders who understand the seriousness of life, versus the businessmen and fans who treat his art as simply a marketable commodity. Identifies the primary issue of our time as one of values. Modern thinkers such as Ken Wilber, with his image of our contemporary flatland, in which everything is seen as neutral, and devoid of value, are brought to mind. In earlier songs Dylan talked tirelessly of modern fgures misunderstanding the significance of issues such as war, freedom and poverty. Here Dylan stands back from these specific issues and reduces the confrontation to its essential element: human values against the established order. Propels his theme with a powerful dramatic structure. From a traditional dramatic viewpoint, almost nothing happens in this song: two riders talk to each play. Yet by repeatedly hinting at the intensity of a coming confrontation, and by identifying the two opposing forces, Dylan keeps us on the edges of our seats, ondering what will happen next. The effect at the end is comparable to the conclusion of William Butler Yeats famous poem, The Second Coming: And what rough beast, its hour come round at last, slouches towards Bethlehem to be born? In both cases, there is a perceptible chill creeping up the spine, as the poet leaves his reader to contemplate the inevitability and intensity of the coming confrontation, and its consequences. Well, so much for the lyrics. Dylans original reading of the song is as spare and compact as his words, with the music adding little. Hendrix treatment is whole different matter, though. The first element to note is how the music here parallels the dramatic structure of the song. Listen to the opening drums and guitars, as one example. (Audio clip 44K. ) The beat starts, intensifies, and then stops. As in the lyrics, the power is hinted at, but not unleashed. The music, like the words, points towards some future action, presents the tension, but does not resolve it. This device is repeated throughout the song, with Hendrix mostly holding back, repeatedly returning the song to its basically quiet pace. The second element I want to note is Hendrix use of guitar to represent the confusion that the Joker is experiencing. This is a perfect role for Jimi, of course, since his guitar parts often defy our normal expectations for the instrument. He uses bent notes, a wah-wah pedal, and other devices to represent a disorienting, almost inhuman sonic landscape. Here is one example. (Audio clip 128K. ) The third musical element I want to comment on, and the one that really frames and defines the whole song, is Jimis repeated, gradually progressing ascents up the scale with blistering notes. Here is what I mean, the first ime it appears, at the beginning of the first guitar break, between the first and second verses. Audio clip 16K. ) Here is what it sounds like at the end of the second, and longer, guitar break, between the second and third verses. (Audio clip 40K. ) And here, finally, is the way it sounds at the end of the song. (Audio clip 220K. ) Notice how Jimi seems to be gradually reaching for a note that he only finally hits at the end of the song. And then when he gets there, he repeats it, over and over, making a high keening sound, representing not only the howling wind referred to in the last line, ut that coming conflict that the song so clearly prepares us for. And the music ends on this note, as do the lyrics, without resolution, but clearly pointing forwards to some anticipated future act of liberation. This is simply a brilliant collaboration between songwriter and musician, the accompaniment extending and reinforcing the meaning and drama of the lyrics, and showcasing the unique possibilities of the electric guitar along with nothing more than a bass, drum kit and acoustic guitar. Listening to this song is like trying to find your way through a washed-out desert at unset. Hes making some harsh criticisms of American society during the Vietnam era, but the music is so mellow and the lyrics so strange its like hes daring you not to pay attention. Aside from that, All Along the Watchtower is a song that defined the late 1960s, when the calm, disciplined protests of the early decade were degenerating into violence and confusion. No wonder Dylan ends the song with a howling wind. Hendrix got around to covering this song, it sealed the deal: the guitar solo at the end has come to embody the splitting apart of order into screeching, and possibly iberating, chaos. Hendrixs version has been used in countless movies and television shows, from the Spike Lee Joint Clockers to Forrest Gump to the episode in The Simpsons when Homers mother, an ex-hippie terrorist, returns to Springfield. And, if nothing else, its cool to think that Dylan has performed this song more than any other. Not many people are aware that Bob Dylan was the original writer and singer of All Along the Watchtower. Since Bob Dylan wrote the song, two other widely known artists have done their own version of this song: Jimi Hendrix and The Dave Matthews Band. Although it is the same song Just done by different singers, each song has its own characteristics which makes them appear as very different songs. In this paper, I will compare how each of these artists adds their own touch to the song by the use of their instruments. If you have ever heard any of Bob Dylans songs, you know that he as a very mellow tone to all of them. All Along the Watchtower is no different. Dylan uses only a very few instruments. At the very beginning of the song, you will hear a harmonica which immediately makes you want to hear the rest of the song. The only other instruments I can hear in Dylans version of the song are a guitar and drums. Throughout the song you hear Bob Dylan. An influential poet, writer, and musician who redefined American pop music. Dylan was able to use his skills to successfully reach an outstanding degree of accomplishments. Being able to take the term literature and give it a whole new meaning, Dylan has made a significant change in todays music listeners. Dylan was capable of taking his ability to write, his ability to perform, and putting them with the time he had to spare to become one of the most enigmatic, prolific performers in the world. In the time of Bob Dylans music, the world separated literature and music. Music included lyrics, beats, rhythms, and instruments. Literature, on the other hand, was strictly for poetry, ballads, letters, and stories. Never before had anyone considered the opportunity for song lyrics to be considered literature. People strongly thought of the two as being very different categories. With both literature and music being respected in their own unique way, Bob Dylan came along to add a new element. During his time, Dylan was known for his touching songs, however, many did not onsider him a poet. This thought was false. Dylan was a poet first aln meetings, Bob Dylan had raised an interesting question. Is it possible for a performance art to be considered literature (Marcus 119)? Bob Dylans music was unique; he was able to intertwine his lyrics through the life he had lived and through the events of the world around him. Some events in Dylans life were the Kennedy assassination and the Vietnam War. Dylan would come to be known for playing at concerts that were protesting the war at hand. Many young adults would flock to hear the man who new Just how to express the words. The words that expressed his deeper most feeling were the same words that comforted these many young adults by the mass. With people feeling the same sorrows as Dylan himself, it was his words that little significance. It was all in the words. l wanted Just a song to sing, and there came a point where I couldnt sing anything. I had to write what I wanted to sing cos what I wanted to sing, nobody else was writing (Spitz 407). Dylan shared this feeling with others everywhere. It is possible that him writing songs was the only way to say what needed to be said.
Friday, March 6, 2020
Romeo Juliet Essays
Romeo Juliet Essays Romeo Juliet Paper Romeo Juliet Paper The tragic play of Romeo and Juliet was written by a world renowned script writer William Shakespeare. Shakespeare was born in 1564 and died in 1616. William Shakespeare is for his great contribution to English literature. Even though nearly 400 after his death, many people choose to study his work over many other writers. Much of his work has been translated in a variety of languages. Shakespeare has accomplished many brilliant pieces of literature, like; sonnets, poems and play scripts. One of his most famous plays was Romeo and Juliet. This play is about a romantic tragedy of two lovers whos freedom to express their love is torn by the hatred between the families they are from. Both are young and naà ¯Ã ¿Ã ½ve, they viewed love in a very different concept. Many film directors have used the theme of this play in their movies. Some directors use the whole script or most of the script and have created many films based on Shakespeares work.The end of the pla y resulted in both of their tragic deaths. The following essay will explore how the characters and relationship of Romeo and Juliet evolve between act 1 and act 2.At the very beginning of the play before Romeo and Juliet meet, he feels deeply saddened because Rosaline, the girl he loves has rejected him. At this point he pities himself because of this: ay me sad hours seem long. Romeos character is very melodramatic; he takes things that have happened to him very seriously. Montague, Romeos father says that in the morning he sees Romeo crying: Many a morning hath there been seen, with tears. Shakespeare portrays Romeos character as being very venerable to situations that do not go to his accordance. At this point the audience will see Romeo as like a spoilt teenager, bearing in mind that he is from a very high class and status family and the only child of the Montague couple.Like the majority of teenagers of Romeos age, they are constantly troubles with issues concerning love and re lationships. However, in Romeos situation, Shakespeare has used the effect of love on Romeo but the audience sees Romeo taking his emotions and outcomes extremely seriously as if it were to be a very serious situation: Away from light steals home my heavy son, and private in his chamber pens himself, shuts up his windows, locks far daylight and makes himself an artificial night. This quote shows that Romeo is hutting himself in his chamber, this demonstrates that Romeo wants to be by himself. Overall, the first glimpses of Romeo shows himself as being a self centred teenager who takes things very seriously, which is not necessary.On the other hand, Juliets character before she meets Romeo is very venerable too and also obedient. At first, Juliets father confronted her with a proposal from a man called Paris: But now, my Lord, what say you to my suit. However, Juliet says herself that she has not thought of marriage yet: It is an honour that I dream not of. Juliet tells her mother th at she has thought about marriage, yet, she is not keen on being married. This is because she describes marriage as an honour. Further on, Juliets mother Lady Capulet asks her if she could love Paris: Speak briefly, can you like Paris love? Juliet replies by saying: Ill look to like, if looking liking move: But no more deep will I endart my eye than your consent gives me strength to make it fly. Juliets response is that she will try to bond and like Paris if her parents give her their consent. Shakespeare is presenting to the audience that Juliet at this point is very obedient to her parents; she will only do what pleases her parents.Another characteristic of Juliet is that she is venerable, and because of this she is protected by her family, the Capulet family. A quote which suggests this is: My child is yet a stranger to the world. Her father is telling Paris that his daughter is new to the world. She has no understanding of the happenings outside the Capulet house. The previous q uote could also suggest that she is still young. Capulet is very protective towards his only daughter: And soon marrd are those so early made, Capulet is saying that it could ruin Juliet is she gets married and gives birth at an early age. This significantly shows that he is concerned about her wellbeing so he prevents her from marriage until a certain point in time: let two summers wither in their pride, Capulet is giving his consent to Paris to marry Juliet after the passing of two summers so she can mature more. Juliet is the only daughter of Capulet that means that she will probably be spoilt and will be protected. Capulet says himself that she is his world: The earth hath sawllowd all my hopes but she, she is the hopeful lady of my earth, this quote also suggests that Juliet is naà ¯Ã ¿Ã ½ve too.The first impressions the audience will draw towards on Romeo and Juliet is that Romeo is a self catered teenager and is melodramatic whereas Juliet is obedient, protected, venerable and naà ¯Ã ¿Ã ½ve. Shakespeare uses situations in the play that concern Romeo and situations that concern Juliet. However, the main point is that these situations reveal the characteristics of the pair before they meet each other. From analysing their characteristic the audience can see that Romeo and Juliet is a dangerous combination. Also foreshadowing what is to come in later scenes. The reasons for this is that in one hand Romeo is melodramatic and always wants what he desires and on the other hand Juliet is highly obedient. So, Romeo will want Juliets heart and Juliet is obedient so she may accept it.Romeo is at the Capulet house, where a party is taking place. Despite the fact that the Montague are the sworn enemy of the Capulet, Romeo still takes the risk and attends. When Romeo sees Juliet for the first time he comes out with a soliloquy. Shakespeare has done this so Romeos inner thoughts can be revealed to the audience. Romeo opens the soliloquy by complimenting Juliets beauty: O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she hangs upon the cheeks of night. Romeo describes Juliets beauty, her face makes her seem bright like fire, and he associates fire with Juliets beauty. He continues: Like a rich jewel in an Ethiopes ear; Beauty too for use, for earth too dear!Romeo compares Juliet to an Ethiopian with jewel dangling from her ear, he says she is too good for everyday life; she is something unique and special. The play Romeo and Juliet, in terms of the comparison of darkness and light, this theme shows up commonly in successive scenes. The comparison of dark and light is a fundamental element of their love, it is interesting to note that significant love scenes are set in the dark not in the disarray of the day. This significantly suggests that Romeo loves Juliet at night. However, he kills Tybalt while it is day. This idea is particularly evident in the first act, in the way Romeo is said to be shutting out the daylight while he is yea rning for his love and the rejection of Rosaline.Romeo seems to be forgetting Rosaline. The beauty of Juliet has illumined Romeo and he has given up being depressed over Rosaline: Did my heart love till now? For swear it sight. Romeo is thinking that has he ever known love until he saw Juliet. Then he again speaks of Juliets beauty in the last line of the soliloquy: For I never saw beauty till this night. The previous quotation verifies that Romeo has given up the love of Rosaline and he now thinks that he has seen true beauty and is in complete love with Juliet. From what the audience have seen from Romeo so far at the first meeting with Juliet is that he has changed his course of love. The audience will see his character as fickle; he is jumping from one woman to another. This shows how immature Romeo is; he takes every opportunity to meet his circumstances.Juliets first glimpse of Romeo was when he confronted her in the party. Romeo uses clever language and double meaning to sedu ce her: If I profane with my unworthiest hand. This holy shrine, the gentle sin is this: My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand to smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss. Romeo is saying to Juliet if he were to touch her he would be committing blasphemy. Shakespeare has used words such as holy shrine and pilgrims; he does this to make Juliet seem pure like religion. What Romeo is trying to do here is to kiss Juliet. However, Juliet hearing that Romeo is comparing her to a shrine, she continues with this religious concept. Juliet calls Romeo a Good pilgrimJuliet then replies to the proposal from Romeo to kiss her: For saints have hands that pilgrims hands do touch. And palm to palm is holy palmers kiss: By using religious theme like Romeo when he spoke to her, Juliet suggests that they should kiss but do it by touching hands. Romeo seems unsatisfied by this and he again proposes to kiss by using their lips: Have not saint lips, and holy palmers too? Juliet flatly refuses his second proposal: Ay, pilgrim, lips that they must use in prayer. Juliet says that pilgrims use their lips in prayer. Romeo who is the type who does not take no for an answer again persists for a kiss: O, then, dear saint, let lips do; they pray, grant thou, lest faith turn to despair. Romeo says that let both of their lips touch or the faith he has in her will turn to despair. Juliet, who has never experienced a situation like this before is left with two paths; either to accept Romeos proposal, or turn him down.Bearing in mind the fact that Juliet has not yet grasped the understanding of true human nature outside her home, so unfortunately she falls under the lure from Romeo and accepts his asking: Saints do not move, though grant for prayers sake. This is Juliets way of indicating her approval. Juliets lack of understanding in the sense of love makes her easily owned by Romeo. This scene at the party was Juliets first ever awakening to love. Romeo successfully achieves what he ai med for, but he only managed to do it after a couple of failed attempts which were used as persuasion techniques used on Juliet. Romeos last asking to Juliet probably made her think that she would lose someone who could love her.She never had anyone else but Paris who she can give her love to and now that she has been given a dose of Romeos interpretation of love she made the decision to accept his love. Romeo has done enough to convince Juliet that he is the one for her. The audience will now view Juliet as obedient to what Romeo has said to her. Adding to that, she is immature for accepting melodramatic Romeos wish. Romeo says himself that he will turn to despair, which is again demonstrating his melodramatic character. This could be one of the reasons for Juliets acceptance. She did not want to refuse an opportunity for love.At this point in the play, it can easily be verified that Romeo has control over Juliet, in terms of their relations to one another during their first meetin g. The first reason which justifies the previous statement is that Romeo notices Juliet before she does. Further on, he lures himself to her and also he asks her permission to kiss her and eventually he wins her. While, on the other hand Juliet cab be named as the follower because of her obedience to Romeos desire. Juliets characteristic in this scene can also be traced back in previous scenes where there is evidence showing her obedience. Juliet presented her obedience to her mother by stating that she will only love Paris if her parents give her their consent. however, in the current situation Juliet seems to be forgetting Paris asking for her hand in marriage and her sayings to her mother, now she has exited them thoughts and ideas for new ones. Currently Juliet has accepted Romeos affection towards her and seems to be overwhelmed by it. Obedience is still roaming in her characteristics but not towards her parents instead it is towards Romeo.It is interesting to note that Shakesp eare formatted Romeo and Juliets first meeting in the form of a sonnet. Sonnets are of Shakespeares own creation, he invented this form of literature for a purpose. The ultimate significance of sonnets is that its purpose was originally used as a piece of writing demonstrating a theme of romance and love. In this case, where Romeo has met Juliet for the first time, the use of a sonnet seems necessary to emphasize the strong romantic bond between them.Shakespeare has cleverly devised a religious concept, which is the theme of the conversation between Romeo and Juliet, calling her a Shrine and reference of her as a Saint. The choices of words show how Romeo feels towards Juliets beauty. Romeo sees eh beauty and ranks her as a shrine. In Romeos point of view, Juliet seems abnormal to him, because her facial features are described as bright. In a religious idea, a shrine would be a sacred monument that holds an important sector in a followers life, also would be portrayed as something h oly. This is exactly what Romeo is trying to show Juliet that he feels that she can be associated to a shrine because of her beauty that has attracted Romeo.This religious imagery is then continued then continued by Juliet. Juliet, in her response to Romeo calls him a pilgrim. Significantly, a pilgrim is the one who prays or does religious activities at a holy shrine. So when Juliet says: Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much, she is relating to what Romeo called her, showing her desire to align herself with him. Shakespeares use of religious imagery was for Romeo to use double meaning in order to gain what he wanted. This is a sacrilegious sonnet in which Juliet is a saint or shrine that is to be kissed by Romeo who is a pilgrim. This also relates to the actual fact that Romeo mean pilgrim in Italian and the play is set in Verona.Romeo and Juliets first meeting has been dramatised by Shakespeare in a remarkable way. The reason for its significance is that Juliet has been en gaged at this party. However, she meets Romeo, who swiftly gives up all emotions towards Rosaline and at the party he has revealed his feelings for Juliet. At the end of the party, both Romeo and Juliet have been touched emotionally by each other.The audience already have full knowledge about the hatred and conflicts between Romeos family and Juliets family. Despite the concern of a violent incident, the young Montague still decide to attend the Capulet party that has been invited to all except the Montague family. Romeo being amongst the group has been noticed by Juliets cousin Tybalt: This, by his voice, should be a Montague. Tybalt informs his uncle Capulet about the sighting of Romeo. Much to his surprise, Capulet does not give his permission to Tybalt to do anything to Romeo because this would embarrass Capulet in the presence of his guests: Youll not endure him! God shall mend my soul! Youll make a mutiny among my guests! Shakespeare has made the first meeting of Romeo and Jul iet very dramatic according its circumstances. Romeo is full aware that if he and his fellow friends are noticed they may be killed. However, Romeo still takes the risk, he does not seem too worried, this ultimately exposes his sense of immaturity.After all guests have left, Romeo decides to head back to see Juliet again. So he walked through the Capulet orchard and eventually finds Juliet up on a balcony. Romeo talks to himself about Juliet, and Juliet is unaware of his presence. When Romeo sees Juliet again he says: But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?, It is the east, and Juliet is the sun, Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon. Romeo then invokes the darkness or the night as a type of safeguard from harm: I have nights cloak to hide me from their eyes. This conflict between darkness and light or day and night will not end until the disarray of the day in due course overcomes the passionate nights and ultimately this finishes the lives of both lovers.This also demonstrates Romeos metaphoric use of imagery of the cosmos. In one of the quotes above, Romeo is saying that Juliet is the sun and she should kill the moon that is jealous because of Juliets beauty. Personification is also present in that quote, because in reality the moon will not be able to feel jealousy. Romeo has always compared Rosaline to the moon and now that he is in love with Juliet he believes his love for Juliet has outshone the love that he had for Rosaline. This could have referred to Greek mythology because Romeo later says: Be not her maid, since she is envious: Her vestal livery and none but fools wear it; cast if off. Romeo is suggesting that Juliet should no longer worship the Greek god and lose her virginity to him. This reveals his inner thoughts and showing his impulsiveness.Romeo also states that Juliet is his love: It is my lady, O, it is my love! an example of a hyperbole that is used by Romeo is when he says: Two of the fairest stars in all the heavens havi ng some business, do entreat her eyes to twinkle in their spheres till they return. Romeo is describing Juliets eyes as being so bright that they are like start n the night sky. Romeo also says that he wishes that he were a glove on Juliets hand so he can feel her cheek: O, that! Were a glove upon that hand, that o might touch that cheek! so far the audience has witnessed Romeos inner thoughts. Romeo also exposes his sexual desire to make love to Juliet. Romeo begins to present evidence of growing maturity in this scene of the balcony. His speeches that he is saying to himself are now in blank verse relatively different from the rhythmic iambic pentameter apparent in his earlier sonnets and couplets. Romeo is no longer the miserable that was shown in several accounts in Act 1. Up to this point; Romeo has articulated his feelings in a traditional and idiomatic style.Juliet discovers that Romeo is a Montague and if Juliet falls in love with him, this case will certainly coincide with the disapproval from both their parents and families. However, Juliet is not troubled by this. Juliet is talking to herself in the balcony unaware of Romeo listening to her: O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny they father and refuse thy name; or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, and Ill no longer be a Capulet. Juliet is saying that she is prepared to throw away her family name just to be with Romeo. Hearing this, Romeo is fully assured that Juliet has feelings for him, he hesitates to make the decision of carrying on listening to her or to talk to her: Shall, I hear more, or shall I speak at this? Juliet feels that it does not matter what Romeos name is, all that matters is that he is still the same person: Whats in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.Juliet soon discovers Romeo has heard what she was saying: What man art thou that thus bescreend in night so stumblest on my counsel. Juliet is shocked when confronted by Romeo. Ro meo says that his name is like an enemy to him: My name, dear saint, is hateful to myself, because is an enemy to thee. Notice that Romeo is referring back to their first meeting: dear saint. Romeo is so desperate to win Juliets heart that he is willing to fulfil Juliets satisfaction and throw away his name. Juliet tells Romeo that if he were to be caught climbing over the Capulet walls he would be killed, Romeo immaturely replies: For string limits cannot hold love out Therefore the kinsmen are not let to me.Romeo behaves in a sweet manor towards Juliet: Alack, there lies more peril in thine eye than twenty of their swords. Romeo is telling Juliet that is she was to look at him harshly that would be more painful than someone coming to him with a sword. Romeo thinks Juliet as being his possession: I would adventure for some merchandise, Romeo sees love as an adventure. Juliet is obviously impressed by the romantic language used by Romeo: Thou knowst the mask of night is on my face, else would a maiden blush bepaint my cheeks. Juliet discloses to Romeo that is it was not dark he would be able to see Juliets face. Juliet asks Romeo if he loves her: Dost thou love me? instead of hearing a response from Romeo,Juliet predicts his response: I know thou wilt say Ay and I will take thy word: yet if thou swearst thou mayst prove false, Juliet tells Romeo that she knows he will reply yes to her question, however, she did not let him give his reply because she is nervous that he will say no. Juliet also informs Romeo that she is not easily won: If thou dost love, pronounce it faithfully or if thou thinkst I am too quickly won.Romeo is left in a slight dilemma: O, wilt thou leave me so unsatisfied? Romeo asks Juliet if she is going to leave him unsatisfied. Juliet got an impression that he wants to do something physical with her: What satisfaction canst thou have tonight? Juliet tells Romeo that in no circumstances will there be any physical activities going on between th em. Without any delay Romeo makes a proposal to her: The exchange of thy loves faithful vow for mine. Juliet happily informs that she has already given her consent before his proposal: I gave thee mine before thou didst request it. On the night of Juliets engagement to Paris, she has given her consent to the proposal for marriage from Romeo. In the matter of only the first day of Romeo and Juliets meeting, they have already exchanged vows. This shows how quickly their relationship has progressed.Romeos attitude to love is that he feels it is an adventure. Romeo, without any hesitation has taken the burden of marriage at an inexperienced age and with an inexperienced 13 year old. He seems to not understand the fundamental aspects of love, he makes situations more chaotic. He has fallen into love with someone on the day they met and on that very same he asks her to get married. Whereas, on the other hand we have Juliet, who sees love as something that develops and progresses over time : This bud of love, by summers ripening breath, may prove a beauteous flower when next we meet. She is saying that she sees love as a flower that will blossom beautifully over time. Ironically, flowers die in the end and the dramatic irony in this is that they both die in the end. Juliet also uses an epithet when she says: sweet Montague.The dynamic of Romeo and Juliets relationship has changed too, Juliet feels more confident. Juliet is obviously overwhelmed because Romeo has displayed his sincerity by declaring a marriage proposal and exchange vows. The evidence that proves that Juliet has more confidence and she has taken over control in the following quote: Thy purpose marriage, send me word tomorrow, by on that Ill proceed to come to thee, where and what time thou wilt perform the rite. This is an open display of how the dynamic of their relationship of their relationship has changed. Juliet organises the marriage, she also proposes that they should get married tomorrow. Juliet asks Romeo what time they will get married tomorrow, he replies: At the hour of nine. She responds to this by saying: I will not fail: tis twenty years till then. She uses extreme exaggeration; this is an example a hyperbole.Juliets character has evolved from what she was in the opening scenes. She is more confident in making her own decisions and is no longer obedient toward her parents. Romeo has left his old self where he was melodramatic, but he would have been over exaggerating if Juliet too did not did not approve of his emotions. However, Romeo has revealed his impulsive nature when he asked Juliet for hand in marriage on the night of their meeting.Over Acts 1 and 2 the audience have witnessed vast changes in Romeo and Juliets character. We have seen how Juliet and Romeos character has evolved and we can conclude that the couple make a dangerous combination. The reasons for this is that Romeo will proceed into great lengths to satisfy hi inner desire and Juliet is in illusio n by Romeos choice of language and romantic nature. Eventually the couple will lead to their own destruction because of their tragic deaths in the final scene. Because of the fact that they are young and naà ¯Ã ¿Ã ½ve, they do not have the sufficient knowledge and experience and this also results in their death. Shakespeare has devised this play script in a unique way; his message is to show how young love without any experience may conclude in a tragedy. He has displayed how the individual characteristics of two lovers and their attitude to love can demolish their lives.
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