Romeos Depression
Many people view the tragedy Romeo and Juliet as simply a romance-filled play where the protagonists die at the end. However, this play also involves the mounting depression of Romeo Montague; he suffers constantly throughout the first act and displays many of the modern symptoms of teen depression. Rosaline, the woman who is currently starring in his dreams, rejects his pitiful advances time after time, thus, causing his sleepless nights and effeminate attitudes. Exhibiting social withdrawal, sensitivity to rejection, and hopelessness, Romeo is surely depressed (http://www.teen-depression.info 2). Unsuccessfully, his family and friends try to interpret his convoluted emotions.
Confused by Romeo's odd behaviors, the Montagues and their allies are beginning to discuss and try to resolve his issues. They are wondering where Romeo is after a brawl when issues of his sudden disappearances begin to arise. Benvolio observes, "Towards him I made, but he was ware of me/And stole into the covert of the wood" (I, i, 125-126). Avoiding civilization and a desire of isolation are common symptoms of teen depression (http://www.teen-depression.info 2). Romeo does not want to associate with anyone; he feels they will destabilize his so-called "love" for Rosaline. When stating that Romeo "[. . .] stole into the covert of the wood" (I, i, 126), Shakespeare utilizes the word wood as a symbol for how Romeo is lost in a dark, shadowy corner of his own mind. Also representative of his emotions, Romeo has been frequently locking himself away in his room in order to sulk in his intensifying misery. In the same conversation, Montague apprehensively states, "And private in his chamber pens himself,/[. . .]/And makes himself an artificial night" (I, i, 139-141). Creating a dark and melancholy space signifies Romeo's state of mind; he feels trapped by his heart, undeserving of love, and afraid of being turned away.
Rejection is a sensitive...
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