I've always been fascinated by Shakespeare's more commonly known plays. Like fairy tales, they have become timeless. But why?
This Shakespearean play is noble because sacrifice on the part of the female is relatively rare and as far as biology is concerned, makes little sense. It's no stereotype that males are usually the ones who take one for the team.
Speaking of sacrifice, true love solely based on virtues would also have been rare. There was far less free choice as far as relationships went, with the arranged marriages and all. People married early and died young compared by today's standards. Marriage would also have been overwhelmingly about children.
That Juliet loved Romeo more than life itself, more than wealth and resources that Paris would provide, just as Romeo loved Juliet is why the story has endured as a staple of Western Literature. It is a growth from crush to love, to virtuous love, to a test of love.
And of course, on top of that, there is something for everyone.
Men like Juliets because she's faithfully committed and biologically, faithful means children are more likely yours.
Women like bold and confident bad boys willing to commit to them. And like most actors cast as Romeo throughout the years, preferably handsome and cool too.
If I were to compare Romeo & Juliet to Titanic, I'd argue that Romeo & Juliet is superior because...
Titanic's tragedy is not ultimately caused by the lovers. It's just more powerful to have the star-crossed lovers do themselves in, it's simpler and more elegant.
Jack sacrifices himself. He sacrificed long-term benefits - being alive, for short-term feelings. In Eugenian terms, Jack was under confession (layman terms = "man in love"), his own free will destroyed. And confession is as sexy as slavery and zombies. Jack didn't die by cold, he drowned in love, as he was biologically and socially programmed to do. ("Women & Children first")
I guess it could be argued that Romeo also sacrificed himself, but then on one level, it's different because from his view, she was so committed to the relationship that she committed suicide. And on the second level, Romeo died of miscommunication, lack of information. Not entirely his fault, but definitely adds to the tragedy and suspense.
And of course, R&J just has more virtue, namely "have sex not war", and far deeper themes than this little post can explore. It's incredible how a play written 500 years ago is still relevant today.
If there's one thing to take away, it's to rebel against your biological programming and find others willing to do so too. On a macro scale, I believe it is an inescapable stage of human evolution.
Well, that's it for tonight. I don't even know why I'm so fascinated, I guess it's all written down above. Hope to do other Shakespeare plays too.
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