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If it seems like Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is all about clashes, you’re right. But Shakespeare didn’t just write about violence and verbal disagreements in this play. He also wrote about the clash between youth and age, between passion and cynicism, and between light and darkness. That’s why Shakespeare’s main motif in Romeo and Juliet is all about juxtaposition.

Video Transcription:

There’s one word that perfectly describes the motifs in Romeo and Juliet: Juxtaposition. In other words, contrast. More explanation is just a few seconds away.

Here are some of the contrasts this play sets up:

Light and darkness
Passion and cynicism
Youth and age

Each of these motifs helps reinforce one of this play’s central points: That there are multiple ways to understand and evaluate things.

While the first two of these contrasts definitely contribute to this message, I want to talk about the juxtaposition between youth and age. It’s the motif that stands out the most.

Think about it. The first time we meet Juliet, her mother is calmly—almost coldly—talking to her about marriage as though it’s a business arrangement. But when Juliet does commit to marriage, it’s out of passion and impulse.

Then there’s the scene at the feast when Capulet keeps Tybalt from attacking Romeo. It’s not that Capulet is happy about Romeo being there, but Capulet is older and wiser—he’s all cool control while Tybalt is hot passion.

Though Capulet is, of course, the one involved in that hideous feud …

So what does this motif mean, you ask? Bottom line, I don’t think Shakespeare is arguing for youth over age or age over youth. If you watched Recap 7 you know that, young or old, all these characters are ultimately just at the mercy of fate.