Romeo and Rosaline Together?
In the Shakespearean tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, one main character, Romeo, is presented as a melancholy person during the first act of the play. The source of Romeo s melancholy may be caused by his love for Rosaline, and her lack of love for him. In the beginning of the play, we learn that Romeo is pursuing the young lady, Rosaline, which he is in love with, but who does not share that love, [o]ut of her favor when I am in love (1.1.166). Romeo learns that the Capulet s are throwing a great party, in which Rosaline is attending. Although it is dangerous for a Montague to appear in this assembly, Romeo risks his life just to see his love. Benvolio also persuades the young lord to go in the disguise of a mask, [g]o thither, and with unattained eye (1.2.87). Benvolio s plan is to show to Romeo that he need not worry about Rosaline s love, because [a]t this same ancient feast of Capulet s all the admired beauties of Verona (1.2.84-86) will be there, and he will see the great diversity of women. However Romeo disagrees, and says, [o]ne fairer than my love? [t]he all-seeing sun/ [n]e er saw her match since first the world began (1.2.94-95). Romeo is one that looses his sleep for love. He fled society to be alone, thinking on Rosaline, who did not even love him. Romeo is a passionate lover, and he becomes sad when his love is not content. Rosaline s lack of love for him is the reason he is melancholy in the first act.
Work Cited
Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. New York: Penguin Books USA Inc., 1988.