In
Shakespeare's ,is seen at the beginning of the play head over heels in love
for Rosaline. Although Romeo is infatuated with her, Rosaline doesn't seem to share these
feelings, as Romeo notes: "She hath forsworn to love, and in that vow / Do I live dead that
live to tell it now" (1.1.223€“224). Once he sees(on the same day, no less), he falls
immediately head over heels in love again: "Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight!
/ For I ne'er saw true beauty till this night" (1.1.50€“51).
It is this
speedy transition that likely gives Romeo a negative reputation in popular culture. Although the
character in the play does seem to truly love Juliet, his speedy transition from one girl to the
next is at least a little questionable. Did he really love Rosaline at all? Or did she just
represent his quest for the unattainable? Also, anyone who doesn't believe in love at first
sight will certainly be a bit skeptical about Romeo's immediate profession of true love over the
sight of Juliet.
So, in our society, a Romeo is a type of guy who says what
he thinks girls want to hear in order to win them over. He is fickle and not subject to settling
down or committing to just one girl. Some of these characteristics can be attributed to the
fickle ways of Shakespeare's Romeo, but the play's character did commit to Juliet, marrying her
within about twenty-four hours. It's a bit of a misnomer.
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