Romeo and Juliet is, I've decided, a perfect product of it's time. Shakespeare did a good job with a lot of stuff, like Benvolio (whose name means "Goodwill," is like the unofficial diplomat person who tries to calm people down) and Juliet saying her grave shall be her wedding bed (woah, she's accurate!) but I just cannot stop thinking about how much I wish I could jump into the story and slap both lovebirds over the head. Not to mention Juliet's parents (um, hello... Paris is probably about THIRTY, you idiots. She's not even fourteen).
Anyway, I think the story's good and all, but both main characters are a bit problematic. For example, Romeo is practically stalking Rosalind, who doesn't "love" him back (However, I think she should feel flattered to have a stalker. It means you're interesting). Juliet, though, is what really bugs me. She's is all submissive and all "Hey dad, sure, I'll marry Paris! He's thirty, rich, and hot!" Although I can see her point of view (her dad could kick her out and send her to an abbey in a second if she refuses) I still hate how she just goes along with it. She can think for herself. And she does. She goes to the party, and meets dashing young Romeo, who immediately forgets all about Rose... Rosie... oh, yeah! Rosalind, and "falls in love" with Juliet, and she with him.
Now, Romeo's probably around eighteen, and she's thirteen, and girls mature faster than boys, yet Romeo still has a ton of growing up to do, as shown by his changing feelings... Oh dear. I'm afraid this shall be an equation with a rather bloody answer...
Also, I find it funny how Montague and Capulet are both ready to fight, yet the wives hold them back, saying it's a stupid idea. I kinda wonder how it would be if they were friends? I think they'd have a lot in common.
That's such an interesting point about the warring parents -- how much alike they are, and how the wives seem to be the ones in control . . .
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