Mark Cruz
5/24/00
3B
	What is Shakespeare’s definition of love?
	Have any other four letters in the English language failed so miserably at capturing their own mulit-faceted nature? Most likely, none other have done likewise. Despite a definition that varies from person to person, family to family, and country to country, a word such as “love” was only graced with a mere four letters. A word with so many meanings should perhaps have ten times as many. Volumes can be written about this one word. William Shakespeare has written thousands of words on a subject which itself only contains four letters. Upon analysis, it becomes strikingly evident that the English bard has provided nearly every major character in Romeo and Juliet with a his or her own perspective on love. A closer look at three of his character’s will provide but a mere glimpse of the many views of love Shakespeare offers to his readers. 
	The first character upon inspection is Romeo. One of the main character’s in the play, Romeo is most likely but a teenager at the time. Thus, it is likely that his view of love will be like that of a teenager. In his conversation with Benvolio, Romeo has the following to say. “She’ll not be hit, with Cupids’ arrow. She hath Dian’s wit, and, in strong proof of chastity well armed” (I.ii.207-209). In this scene, Romeo speaks to his cousin and comrade Benvolio about his unrequited love for Rosaline. As these lines reveal, Romeo is frustrated due to Rosaline’s vow of chastity. Romeo’s love may have been in actuality, lust. Another example can be find in the conversation between Friar and Romeo. “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” (II.iv.65-67). The Friar comments on the fact that it was only a short while ago that Romeo was in love with Rosaline. He states in these verses that if so quick a change can occur, that men love with their eyes and not with their hearts. The Friar knows that Romeo’s “love” is based on nothing more than outer beauty.
	The love Lord Capulet shows for his daughter, however, is strikingly different. This sort of love can be labeled as parental love. In arranging a marriage with the County Paris, Lord Capulet only wishes the best for his daughter. After the death of Tybalt and Romeo’s subsequent banishment because of that death, the reader finds Juliet distraught. Lord Capulet knows this, and wishes to alleviate his daughter’s grief. Lady Capulet tells Juliet of her father’s attempt to replace her grief with Joy in Act 3, Scene 5. “Well, well, thou hast a careful father, child; one who, to put the from thy heaviness, hath sorted out a sudden day of joy” (III.v.108-110). It is his parental love that drives Lord Capulet to marry his daughter with Paris. Furthermore, he states in act three, “Alone, in company; still my care hat been to have her matched; and having now provided a gentleman of noble parentage, of fair demsnes, youthful and nobly trained” (III.v.179-182). Lord Capulet is angered over his daughter’s defiance, because he thinks that this marriage will be in her best interests.
	Shakespeare’s fiery character, Tybalt, displays a different sort of love. His love is more for family honor. Tybalt sees Romeo at the Capulet party, and is instantly enraged. “This, by his voice, should be a Montague. Fetch me my rapier, boy. What! Dares the slave come hither, covered with an antic face, to fleer, and scorn at our solemnity, Now by the stock and honor of my kin, To strike him dead I hold it not a sin” (I.v.55-60). Tybalt is willing to slay Romeo simply to uphold his family honor. It is this love that leads him to engage Romeo in fighting. “Romeo, the love I bear the can afford no better term that this: thou art a villain” (III.i.59-60). Tybalt hates Romeo simply because he is of the house of Montague. It is Romeo’s house that Tybalt loathes. He challenges Romeo to a fight to protect his family honor. 
	Shakespeare has presented many definitions and sorts of love in the tragedy that is Romeo and Juliet through his characters. It is also through his characters that Shakespeare’s own view on love can be found. Perhaps the bard stated it best through his character Romeo. “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. What is it else? A madness most discreet” (I.i.189-192) In these lines, Shakespeare compares love to smoke. Love, like smoke, can blind anyone who may fall into its trap. Likewise, smoke is also fleeting, lasting for only a short while. To Shakespeare, one who loves is surely one who has been blinded and gone mad. It is a madness that all, like Shakespeare’s characters, are doomed to encounter at some time.