Juliet
A Star-Crossed Lover
Act 1, Scene 2
When Paris requests to marry Juliet, Lord Capulet's daughter, Capulet wisely advises, "But woo her, gentle Paris, get her heart; My will to her consent is but a part." (1001, 16-17). Here Lord Capulet tells Paris that he can't force his daughter to love him. He lets Paris know that if he truly wants to marry Juliet, he will first win her heart. Capulet believed that it was important to for Juliet to only marry if that's what her heart desired.
The Value of True Love
Act 2, Scene 2
Even though she knows not of his presence, Juliet speaks towards Romeo. "Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, And I'll no longer be a Capulet." (1023, 37-38). By voicing these thoughts, Juliet tells Romeo that she would rather ignore the expectations of her family and be in love with her enemy than to ignore the wishes of her heart in its longing to be with him.
Act 3, Scene 5
Juliet is speaking aloud her thoughts towards the Nurse when she says, "Thou and my bosom henceforth shall be twain. I'll to the friar know his remedy. If all else fail, myself have power to die." (1070, 270-272). Despite the advice of her closest friend, Juliet decides to find a way to not marry Paris or she will kill herself because her heart will despair without her beloved Romeo.
Act 2, Scene 2
Romeo tells Juliet, "My life were better ended by their hate Than death prorogued, wanting of thy love." (1025, 86-87). Juliet warns Romeo to leave but he first wants to know if she loves him. He puts his own life in danger for love, because he says that death at the hands of his enemy is better than suffering because Juliet does not love him. The actions he takes show a person who is listening to their heart.
People should Follow Their Hearts
Again and again the reader can see that in Romeo and Juliet, characters follow their hearts. When examining character relationships to Juliet this theme is especially relevant.
Romeo and Juliet Followed Their Hearts
These two teens are forever a great monument representing love and the courage it takes to follow your heart despite what those around you may say.