Newton’s third law states that every action must have an equal and opposite reaction, and while this statement references physics, it is a statement that can be applied to infinite situations and subjects, and rings particularly true in the case of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The passionate teenage lovers end tragically as a result of an oppressive and controlling society. While the supporting characters’ meddling played a part in their demise, the cause of the couple’s abrupt and premature death is an upper-class society trying to have far too specific control on the lives of its members, thus instituting Newton’s third law.
While the plot shows evidence of this filleted and laid upon a plate, Shakespeare laces evidence of it through his writing. For example, while Romeo was purchasing a poison from an impoverished apothecary, he shows how conscious he is of society’s and money’s role in his situation: ‘There is thy gold, worse poison than men’s souls/Doing more murder in this loathsome world/Than these poor compounds that thou mayst not sell/I sell thee poison; thou hast sold me none’ (5.1.84). Money’s prominent role in the society of Romeo and Juliet leads people to do drastic things, and it is highly likely that money played a role in the beginning of the two families’ feud. This feud, rooted in economic and social power dynamics, underscores the societal pressures that ultimately lead to the tragic end of Romeo and Juliet.
If the society hadn’t been the way it was, perhaps Romeo and Juliet wouldn’t have fallen in love in the first place, thus rebelling against their families. Even if they had fallen in love, they wouldn’t have had to continue it in secret. The secrecy and urgency of their relationship, driven by societal constraints, exacerbate the tragic elements of the narrative. This perspective aligns with social conflict theory, which posits that societal structures and power imbalances create conflicts that drive social change and individual behavior.
This is perhaps the only part of Romeo and Juliet that isn’t applicable to any other time, because while our society, and almost all others, are equally oppressive, it is oppressive in entirely different ways. A reasonably realistic modern interpretation of Romeo and Juliet would feature a homosexual couple. Because of stories like Romeo and Juliet, there is not much resistance to heterosexual romance like that of Romeo and Juliet’s in contemporary times. However, the largest resistance to homosexuality often lies within wealthier and more conservative segments of society, akin to the Capulets and Montagues. The blame for Romeo and Juliet’s death would still fall on the shoulders of society, and the original message could be translated and preserved perfectly.
In examining the societal constraints depicted in Romeo and Juliet, it becomes evident that the social institutions of the time—family, social class, and economic status—played pivotal roles in shaping the characters’ lives and decisions. Structural functionalism, a sociological perspective, can be applied here to understand how these institutions functioned to maintain societal stability at the expense of individual happiness and freedom. The feud between the Capulets and Montagues is not just a personal vendetta but a reflection of the rigid social hierarchy and the importance of familial honor and loyalty in maintaining social order.
In conclusion, Romeo and Juliet’s untimely death is a narrative on the consequences of society. The point of the play wasn’t to know what had happened—that was something that is told to the audience before the play even begins. It is to know why what happened happened. By exploring the societal influences on the characters’ actions, Shakespeare highlights the destructive power of rigid social structures and the tragic consequences of living in a society that prioritizes status and obedience over individual desires and love.
The tragedy of Romeo and Juliet can also be explored through the lens of psychoanalytic theory, particularly the concepts of id, ego, and superego as proposed by Sigmund Freud. Romeo and Juliet’s impulsive actions and passionate love can be seen as manifestations of the id, driven by primal desires and emotions. In contrast, the societal expectations and familial duties imposed on them represent the superego, enforcing rules and moral standards. The conflict between these forces creates a psychological tension that contributes to their ultimate demise. This internal struggle is mirrored by the external conflict between their families, emphasizing the interplay between individual psychology and social environment.
Additionally, feminist theory offers a critical perspective on the gender dynamics in Romeo and Juliet. The expectations placed on Juliet, in particular, reflect the patriarchal norms of Elizabethan society. Juliet’s rebellion against her father’s authority and her decision to marry Romeo secretly challenge the traditional roles assigned to women, highlighting the constraints of gender and the limitations placed on women’s autonomy. Her tragic end can be seen as a consequence of these societal pressures and the limited options available to women in her position.
Moreover, the role of fate and destiny in Romeo and Juliet cannot be overlooked. The concept of fate, as suggested by the prologue’s reference to “star-crossed lovers,” adds another layer of complexity to the societal critique. The characters’ belief in fate and their subsequent actions based on this belief can be analyzed through existentialist philosophy, which explores themes of free will, choice, and the search for meaning in an indifferent universe. Romeo and Juliet’s attempts to defy their predetermined paths ultimately lead to their tragic fate, questioning whether their actions were truly free or constrained by an inevitable destiny.
In the context of contemporary society, the themes of Romeo and Juliet remain relevant as they reflect ongoing struggles with social norms, family expectations, and the pursuit of individual happiness. Modern adaptations of the play, featuring diverse couples facing societal resistance, continue to resonate with audiences and highlight the universality of Shakespeare’s exploration of love and conflict. The enduring appeal of Romeo and Juliet lies in its ability to capture the complexities of human relationships and the impact of societal forces on personal lives.
In summary, Romeo and Juliet’s untimely death is a profound commentary on the consequences of societal oppression and control. By examining the play through various academic lenses, including social conflict theory, structural functionalism, psychoanalytic theory, feminist theory, and existentialist philosophy, we gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of their tragedy. The play’s exploration of love, fate, and societal constraints continues to offer valuable insights into the human condition and the enduring challenges faced by individuals in navigating their desires within the bounds of society.