«Two houses, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we set our scene, From old grudge to new mutiny, Where blood civil makes civil hands unclean. From the fatal loins of these two enemies, two lovers cursed by stars commit suicide; Whose unfortunate reversals and misadventures bury with their death the conflicts of their parents. The frightening passage of their love marked by death, and the continuation of the rage of their parents, which nothing could erase, except the end of their children, are now the two hours of traffic of our scene; What if you lend a patient ear, what will be lacking here, our labor will endeavor to repair. The “star-crossed lovers” spoken of in Romeo and Juliet’s soliloquy are, of course, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet. It is destiny that seems to bring together these two lovers from rival families. The ultimately fatal attraction between these two lovers contributes strongly to Shakespeare's overall theme of love. The strong bond between Romeo and Juliet helps show the strength of love and destiny. The relationship between Romeo and Juliet is very strong. It is destiny that brings them together, at least that is what Shakespeare describes by showing that the characters believe this to be true. When Romeo cries, “Is it all the same?” So I dare you to the stars! (Act 5, scene 1) he refers to destiny and says that it is in opposition to the destiny of his relationship with Juliet. The love between Romeo and Juliet is young, irrational and passionate. Lustful love, which is basically love for sexual pleasure, is mentioned in the play but it does not define the love between Romeo and Juliet. The love shared between Romeo and Juliet is youthful, which is one of the many reasons why their love intensifies very quickly. It's cl...... middle of paper ....... The changes that Juliet and Romeo undergo show that love is strong enough to change a person's beliefs and feelings. Shakespeare also shows the power of love through the actions of Romeo and Juliet at the end of the story. Romeo's feelings for Juliet are so strong that he poisons himself when he thinks she is dead, and these feelings are returned by Juliet, as evidenced by her decision to hold a dagger to his heart when she sees that Romeo has poisoned himself. the relationship is one of young and passionate love. They are “soulmates”. Their emotional interdependence allows Shakespeare to develop this plot. Shakespeare uses this relationship between Romeo and Juliet to describe his beliefs about love. The changes Romeo and Juliet experience and the strong bond they share help show how powerful fate and love can be..