Question about Shakespeare?

Question

How does Shakespeare's use of foils and opposites strengthen/support the theme of Romeo and Juliet? Keeping in consideration the ideas of idealism and pragmatism

Thank You

Answer 1

Foils are characters with opposite charactreistics put on stage together to emphasize their behavior/personality.
An example is in the first act when Tybalt (whose name means "bold or terrible" meets with Benvolio (whose name means "peace").

One of the major themes (as it is in SO MANY of Shakespeare's plays) is that appearances are decieving.

BENVOLIO

I do but keep the peace: put up thy sword,
Or manage it to part these men with me.

TYBALT

What, drawn, and talk of peace! I hate the word,
As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee:
Have at thee, coward! (1.1.72)

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Also look at the repeated use of oxymorons by both Romeo and Benvolio (also dramatic foils as Romeo is quick to act without thinking, while Benvolio suggests a more slow and rational approach to love). This is great use of "opposites" to show that Romeo, like everyone else, is full of internal conflict - having two faces (a public and private one).

Why, then, O brawling love! O loving hate!
O any thing, of nothing first create! (1.1.177)
O heavy lightness! serious vanity!
Mis-shapen chaos of well-seeming forms! (1.1.179)
Feather of lead, bright smoke, cold fire, sick health!
Still-waking sleep, that is not what it is!
This love feel I, that feel no love in this.
Dost thou not laugh?

Answer 2

That's kind of the whole point of the play - opposites - love/hate, two families who hate each other but have children who love each other. Did you read it? Pax - C.