What does Romeo want to happen to his eyes? This question delves into the emotional turmoil and the desire for freedom that drives the protagonist in William Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy, “Romeo and Juliet.” Romeo’s eyes, as a metaphor for his soul and his perception of the world, play a crucial role in his journey towards self-discovery and redemption.
In the opening act of the play, Romeo, a Montague, is deeply in love with Rosaline, a Capulet. However, fate has a different plan for him when he encounters Juliet, a Capulet, at a masked ball. As he gazes upon her, he is captivated by her beauty and the allure of her eyes, which he describes as “the bright sun of my life, whose rays break through the clouds of night.” This moment marks the beginning of Romeo’s transformation, as he desires for his eyes to be forever locked in the enchantment of Juliet’s gaze.
As the story progresses, Romeo’s eyes become a symbol of his vulnerability and his yearning for a life free from the constraints imposed by his family’s feuds. When he is banished from Verona for his involvement in a duel, Romeo’s eyes reflect his despair and his desire for escape. In Act III, Scene I, he expresses his wish for his eyes to be “washed with tears” to cleanse them of the sorrow that plagues him:
“My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand
To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss.
Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow,
That I shall say good night till it be morrow.”
Romeo’s words reveal his longing for a world where his eyes can experience only love and joy, without the pain and conflict that define his existence. His desire for his eyes to be washed with tears signifies his wish for a spiritual purification, a release from the emotional turmoil that has consumed him.
Moreover, Romeo’s eyes also serve as a metaphor for his perception of reality. Throughout the play, he is often deceived by appearances, leading him to make tragic decisions. For instance, when he believes that Juliet is dead, his eyes are clouded by grief and despair, preventing him from seeing the truth. This blind acceptance of appearances ultimately leads to his own demise.
In conclusion, Romeo’s desire for his eyes to experience only love and joy, to be cleansed of sorrow, and to perceive the truth without deception, reflects his yearning for a life unburdened by the constraints of his world. His eyes, as a metaphor for his soul and his perception, become a powerful symbol of his emotional journey in “Romeo and Juliet.” Through the eyes of this tragic hero, Shakespeare explores the complexities of love, fate, and the human condition.
