Act V, Scene 3: The Prince's Final Verdict

HOST: Welcome, Prince!

PRINCE: Good day to you.

HOST: Tell me: why did you turn a blind eye to the situation? Why not punish the families?

PRINCE: I decided against punishing them further because I'd imagine that dealing with all the deaths that were caused by the family feud- from Tybalt and Mercutio to Romeo, Juliet, Paris (and even Romeo's mother)- is punishment enough. Let them wallow in their grief and think back on the consequences of their actions- I already warned them many times, but of course, they refused to heed my words. Death is irreversible, and this will stay with them for the rest of their lives. If they don't learn to change their ways = after this, then let them destroy themselves. If their hatred reaches that point, then it's likely that they won't listen to anybody at all.

HOST: What do you hope the Capulets and Montagues will take away from this tragedy?

PRINCE: I hope they finally realize how they let their personal feelings influence their decisions and cause them to make irrational, unfounded conclusions- I mean, their feud was downright silly and insane! Even though they didn't know each other personally, people on both sides always assumed that those who belonged to the opposite house were naturally vile, monstrous, and inferior (enemies by "birth"). Each time they were at odds, the two houses resorted to fighting because they were so eager to satisfy their rage that they couldn't control themselves for the benefit of the greater good (bystanders, civilians). Everyone's lack of acceptance and an open mind contributed to this tragedy.

HOST: What do you think this teaches us about love (and hate)?

PRINCE: Love is easily forgotten in the face of hate. Romeo and Juliet's relationship was only complicated because they knew that if word got out about their affair, they would be scorned, disowned, and punished by their respective houses. Love enabled them to put aside labels, names, and social status; however, their families (Lady and Lord Capulet especially) refused to consider such a notion and thought only of how their reputation would be "tarnished." Things might have been different if the heads of the houses decided to change their ways, but, on the other hand, one also has to realize that Romeo and Juliet's love for each other was also a large factor in their reckless decisions.

Act II, Scene II: 2 Sides to Love

Though they only just met, Romeo and Juliet were quickly able to develop a strong relationship with each other due to their shared love, loyalty, and unwavering devotion. Neither could bear to part with the other, and, as quoted from Juliet, "Parting is such sweet sorrow that I shall say 'Good night' till it be morrow" (83). The fact that they fully trusted each other after only a few short hours is quite admirable, especially since both were willing to do anything just to stay together. However, though love can be a beautiful concept, it's clear that Romeo and Juliet are still naive and reckless when it comes to making decisions. Their love has definitely helped them set aside their family feud and move past social limits; but, on the other hand, it has also partially blinded them to reality. For example, after seeing Romeo beneath her balcony, Juliet almost immediately proposes, "Thy purpose marriage, send me word tomorrow...all my fortunes at thy foot I'll lay and follow thee my lord throughout the world" (79). They barely even know each other, and yet, she wants to rush things and marry Romeo because she can't bear to leave him. More than that, the fact that she chooses to keep her relationship a secret from her parents only serves to complicate matters and lead to her untimely death (I personally think she just overreacted).

Act I, Scene I: Chaos and Grief in Verona's Streets

I. Addressing the Montague and Capulet brawlers, the Prince shouts,"Profaners of this neighbor-stained steel... You men, you beasts, that quench the fire of your pernicious rage with purple fountains issuing from your veins...[have] cankered with peace, to part your cankered hate" (15).

Clearly, the Prince is upset (scornful and angry even) with the Montagues and Capulets because the fights that break out between them can be fatal to those that participate and also endanger the lives of bystanders. Their hatred for each other has spiraled out of control and blinded them, thus causing both sides to make irrational decisions out of pride and stubbornness. Evidently, the feud is being prolonged by people's inability to move past the rivalry and consider how their actions are affecting others. The Prince describes the brawlers as "profaners of this neighbor-stained steel" and "beasts" because their "pernicious rage" is a plague that's constantly encouraging others to abuse their weapons by inflicting unnecessary injuries.

II. When Benvolio asks Romeo about his melancholy mood, he replies,"Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs; being purged, a fire sparkling in lovers' eyes; being vexed, a sea nourished with loving tears... A madness most discreet, a choking gall, and a preserving sweet" (23).

At the end of Scene I, Benvolio finds out that Romeo is inconsolable and heartbroken because Rosaline doesn't love him back. Pained by the woman's rejection, Romeo bitterly wishes things were different and contemplates the differing sides of love. Often times, people think love is easy bliss and joy; but, loving someone actually requires resilience/toughness because not everyone will experience their own "happily ever after" or "love at first sight." Examining Romeo's obsessiveness towards Rosaline, it's important to note that love is also about finding balance and being able to move on. Though it can be rewarding, it can also be a fleeting "smoke made with the fume of sighs" or even "a madness most discreet."

I Was Told

I Was Told

I know my life used to be a textbook.

People said this was right and that was wrong,

that there was good and here was bad-

But I just I didn’t know what I was supposed to do.

When I was four, They told me to put a bow in my hand

And of course that’s what I did.

I mean, I guess it felt right for a while

To read black spiders on the pages and draw perpendicular lines-

But as my fingers bled churning storms at one-sixteenth-note-equals-92-beats-per-second,

I realized then that I was only told.

When I was six, They told me to be like the best

And so I looked to my only sister.

I didn’t notice it for many years,

How They made us into the same person-

But when started to hate dressing the same talking the same learning the same being the VERY same

I found out myself that I was only doing as I was told.

When I was ten, They told me to be a swimmer

And so I did what I had to do.

I thought it was okay ‘cause even my mom wanted me to;

but though I loved swirling tsunamis and torpedoing through the deep,

I grew tired of cement tired of pyramids tired of parties for one...

And knew this wasn’t going to be me.

When I was thirteen, I put down my bow,
picked a new shirt,

And put away the wings that flew me across the water.

I wanted to know how to drop to the ceiling and jump up to the floor-

But really, I just didn't like the girl with brown eyes but dark caverns,

a huge smile but no words.

Oh, I never liked being told-

And now, at fourteen,

I know that nothing I do is written in a book.