Youth in Romeo and Juliet

Shakespeare skillfully uses the characters of Romeo and Juliet to illuminate the theme of youth in various dimensions. Romeo is intimately connected with the spirited young men he associates with in the streets of Verona, showcasing a group prone to impulsive actions and quick to resort to violence. Their rivalries mirror aspects of modern gang culture, although it's essential to note that Romeo and his friends are part of the privileged elite of the city.

Beyond the association with groups of young men, Shakespeare portrays Romeo as somewhat immature. In the play's initial scene, Romeo's expressions about Rosaline are laden with clichés from conventional love poetry. Both Benvolio and Mercutio take turns teasing him for his romantic fervor, emphasizing his seeming fixation on one woman. Benvolio suggests that Romeo's seriousness hinders him from embracing his youth, advising him to explore relationships with other women.

While Romeo's precise age remains undisclosed, Juliet's age is explicitly mentioned as thirteen. Discussions arise early in the play regarding whether she is too young for marriage. Juliet's mother deems her at "a pretty age," while her father considers her "yet a stranger in the world" and not ready for matrimony. Despite her desire to avoid marrying Paris, Juliet expresses a yearning for marriage and sexual experience, using mature and explicitly erotic language that belies her actual years.

However, amidst this apparent maturity, Juliet subtly acknowledges her youthfulness. When anticipating her wedding night, she likens herself to "an impatient child," serving as a poignant reminder of her true age. These acknowledgments of the lovers' youth intensify the tragedy of their premature demise. One of the poignant elements of the play is the tragic brevity of their lives and relationship, cut short by their untimely deaths. The juxtaposition of youthful passion and the abrupt end of their journey adds a layer of sorrow to the narrative.