Explore the ways that you respond to Shakespeare’s and Austen’s presentation of relationships in “Romeo and Juliet” and “Pride and Prejudice”

From Clarke, et al.’s explanation, it is evident that Romeo & Juliet and Pride and Prejudice are two different works. However, both works major on relationships. These relationships focus on love and life relationships. Romeo and Juliet, a play uses dialogue to explain love between Romeo and Juliet while Pride and Prejudice is a novel that also narrates the story of love and marriage relations. This paper will endeavor to respond to the presentation of relationships from the two works.

As seen in the work of Shakespeare, love reigns from the onset of his piece. Relationships in this opinion can be said to be ones that are created by fate and will ultimately happen regardless of the challenges that may hamper these relationships. In such a case, when fate plans that love will exist, it is arguable that despite the fact that the characters may plan a different life, they will ultimately not succeed in their plans but follow destiny. The story of Romeo and Juliet explains lovers who have no option but to make it happen. The two lovers plan to elope when their love seems impossible and eventually die for their love. The author explains the intensity of love between these two lovers in an inviting atmosphere (Clarke, et al 41-5). In Act 1, Sc. 1, Romeo talks of this love. He says “…Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs…” (Shakespeare 23). Romeo clearly proclaims his love for Juliet, and one could tell from the passionate words. Juliet, on the other hand, asks Romeo not to swear of their love by the moon as it constantly changes and she would not want the same of their love. She quotes, “…O swear not by the moon, th’ inconstant moon, That monthly changes in her circled orb. Lest that thy love prove likewise variable…” (Shakespeare 77).

In terms of human relations, parents care for their children as Romeo and Juliet’s parents do. Romeo’s mother is concerned of her child’s whereabouts especially after Prince Escalus had successfully stopped the scuffles in the city (Shakespeare 8). Lady Capulet also asks of her daughter’s feelings especially when Paris asks to marry her. Capulet says that he will only accept if Juliet accepts (Shakespeare 27- 8).

On the other hand, Austens presentation of relationships is one that explains that life is made for convenience. However, this may relate to the above argument, in that though a partner may be fixed for someone, their life is led as fate describes. Austens work explains the search for a wife, explaining that marriage relationships need not always focus ion love, so long as a wife is found. The relationship in this case may either be successful if the partners are able to live and tolerate each other and vice versa. In the work, Elizabeth rejects Mr. Collins as she does not feel affection for him and says that she will wait for someone she loves (Clarke, et al 36). Austen says that Elizabeth thinks of Darcy as arrogant and proud. She quotes “…Elizabeth thinks of him a snob, and despite his class, nota at all worthy of her…” (Austen 440). She also says that her feelings forbid her from marrying the man that she does not love (Clarke, et al 36-8). This explains how relationships may be tricky in Austen’s world. Some advocate for marriage for convenience while others insist on love like Elizabeth opposing Charlottes idea.

Nevertheless, it is essential to note that despite the society being patriarchal the women are determined to seek love and make their own decisions. The Bennet sisters have their mother chooses a possible marriage partner, but they have the right of refusal whoever is proposed to them (Clarke, et al 36). Elizabeth believes all women have their right to design their destiny, and that they should marry pout of love and not as necessity (Austen 442).

Conclusively, the kind of relationships in the two works is dissimilar. Shakespeare draws passionate love that is not barred by life’s challenges. On the other hand, Austen’s work talks of relationships built out of convenience. Since the then society was characterized by gender inequalities women were expected to survive with forced marriage choices but some do the contrary like Elizabeth.

Works Cited
Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2004. Print.
Clarke, Amy M., Osborn, Marijane., Palumbo, Donald, E. & Sullivan III, C.W. The Twilight Mystique: Critical Essays on the Novels and Films. California: McFarland, 2010. Print.
Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2011. Print.