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How would you describe Romeo in ten words?

I have provided ten words to describe Romeo, as well as justification for why I would describe Romeo that way.


1.     Sorrowful



Many a morning hath he there been seen,
With tears augmenting the fresh morning dew.
Adding to clouds more clouds with his deep sighs


(Act I, sc 1: 117-119)



These words are spoken by Lord Montague, expressing his sentiments about his son's mood. Romeo feels this way because Rosaline has rejected him.


2.     Withdrawn



...But he, his own affections' counsellor,
Is to himself--I will not say how true--
But to himself so secret and so close,


(Act I, sc 1: 133-135)



This was also spoken by Lord Montague. Romeo has isolated himself and does not wish to speak to anyone because Rosaline has rejected him.


3.     Confused



Love is a smoke raised with the fume of sighs;
Being purged, a fire sparkling in lovers' eyes;
Being vex'd a sea nourish'd with lovers' tears:
What is it else? a madness most discreet,
A choking gall and a preserving sweet.


(Act I, sc 1: 176-180)



Romeo does not know what to make of what he feels, for he is at once overwhelmed by feelings of affection and joy whilst at the same time embittered and sad.


4.     Prophetic



I fear, too early: for my mind misgives
Some consequence yet hanging in the stars
Shall bitterly begin his fearful date
With this night's revels and expire the term
Of a despised life closed in my breast
By some vile forfeit of untimely death.


(Act I, sc 4: 112-119)



Romeo here predicts his own death, which he has seen in a dream. He says as much to Benvolio just before they are about to gatecrash the Capulet ball.


5.     Infatuated



O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!
It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night
Like a rich jewel in an Ethiope's ear;
Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear!


(Act I, sc 5: 42-44)



Romeo has just seen Juliet for the first time and is overwhelmed by her beauty.


6.     Poetic



But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?
It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.


(Act II, sc 2: 2-3)



Romeo waxes lyrical when he sees Juliet appear at a window whilst he is hiding in the Capulets' orchard.


7.     Impulsive



...save what thou must combine
By holy marriage: when and where and how
We met, we woo'd and made exchange of vow,
I'll tell thee as we pass; but this I pray,
That thou consent to marry us to-day. 


(Act I, sc 3: 60-64)



Romeo has just asked Friar Laurence to marry him to Juliet within the first 24 hours he knows her — a rash and impulsive act.


8.     Vengeful



Alive, in triumph! and Mercutio slain!
Away to heaven, respective lenity,
And fire-eyed fury be my conduct now!


(Act III, sc 1: 117-119)



Tybalt has slain Mercutio in a swordfight and Romeo expresses his rage at this ignominy and wants to avenge his friend's death as soon as Tybalt returns to the scene.


9.     Distraught



Ha, banishment! be merciful, say 'death;'
For exile hath more terror in his look,
Much more than death: do not say 'banishment.'


(Act III, sc 3: 12-14)



Friar Laurence has just told Romeo that he had been banished from Verona for killing Tybalt. He is utterly distraught knowing he might never see his beloved Juliet again.


10.   Suicidal



I sell thee poison; thou hast sold me none.
Farewell: buy food, and get thyself in flesh.
Come, cordial and not poison, go with me
To Juliet's grave; for there must I use thee.


(Act 5, sc 1: 83 - 86)



Balthasar has just informed Romeo of Juliet's supposed death. He is overwhelmed by the news and decides to take his own life. He purchases a potent poison from an apothecary. He plans to drink it once he is in the Capulet vault next to Juliet's seemingly lifeless body. 

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