Act 2 Scene 2 - The Balcony Scene

Types of Love in Romeo and Juliet

1) What types of love have we encountered so far?

We witnessed the change of love, not only in the counterpart but also in the form. This

transformation was focused by Romeo’s perspective. As Romeo’s love transformed from

Rosaline to Juliet, the form also transformed from immature love to mature love. He was

totally out of heavy responsibility which has been a burden for his entire life since his mature

love began. Against the hatred between two competitive households, there was also love

within one family, which was very ironic.

2) Which character(s) exemplify this type of love, and how?

Romeo’s unrequited love toward Rosaline was immature love while the love between Romeo

and Juliet was mature love.

3) Why did Shakespeare include more than one type of love?

Firstly, the transformation from immature love to mature love was included to show the

development in terms of Romeo’s love. This fully exaggerates his deep love toward Juliet.

Secondly, love within one household is a kind of love for showing off. It means it’s not

genuine. This love was naturally created to win the competition between Montague and

Capulet.