Elopement- 16th century and Today

Romeo and Juliet first kiss. Act 2 scene 2

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Elopement was very common during the XVIth century, however back then people would elope for different reasons than today. As marriage was something arranged by the parents to up family social class in the 16th century children (especially girls) would find themselves being married off to someone whom they do not love at a very young age (roughly 10-13 years old). For this reason many of them would run away with loved ones to elope and live a happy life together, as was the case in Shakespeare's tragedy "Romeo and Juliet". Romeo and Juliet, who fell in love at first site came from two enemy families. Juliet, coming from the Capulet family was meant to get married with a young count named 'Paris'. Believing that her parents wouldn't approve of her love in Romeo, Romeo and Juliet decide to get married without their parents permission and engage in an act now called 'elopement'. Juliet is quoted as saying: "Three words dear Romeo, and good night indeed. If that thy bent of love be honourable, thy purpose marriage, send me word tomorrow, by one that I'll procure to come to thee,  where and what time thou wilt perform the rite; And all my fortunes at thy foot I'll lay and follow thee my lord throughout the world." (II ii L 142). The reason for Romeo and Juliet's elopement is this tragedy was to escape their families hatred towards one another. Romeo and Juliet's case of elopement can be compared to cases today. On the 13 april 2009 a young afghani couple were shot and killed by the Taliban for having tried to elope to Iran. Shakespeare left us a message through Romeo and Juliet's elopement, warning us about the sorrow of hatred... However, the problem is still present today.    

http://richarddawkins.net/articles/3734

Louis Jamart


Quotes: 

JULIET: "Three words dear Romeo, and good night indeed. If that thy bent of love be honourable, thy purpose marriage, send me word tomorrow, by one that I'll procure to come to thee,  where and what time thou wilt perform the rite; And all my fortunes at thy foot I'll lay and follow thee my lord throughout the world." (II ii L 142).

ROMEO: "Then plainly know my hearts dear love is set on the fair daughter of rich Capulet; As mine on hers, so hers is set on mine, and all combined, save what thou must combine by holy marriage. When and where and how we met, we wooed, and made exchange of vow, i'll tell thee as we pass; but this i pray, that thou consent to marry us today." (II iii L 57)