from The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, Act 4

Shakespeare portrays Romeo and Juliet’s love as sincere and beautiful. At the same time, he shows how passion leads both characters into acts that violate the rules of their families and society and put them both at risk. Write a brief essay exploring the paradoxical nature of love in the play. As you write your essay, keep in mind that a paradox is a self-contradicting idea. Love can be a paradox because it is a joyful, positive emotion that can bring great sorrow.