To compare means noting similarity and difference. In the
case of Romeo's different loves for Juliet and Rosaline, I find some surprising
similarities.
Romeo may have indeed been driven by two
things for both ladies when all was said and done: physical appearance and
attainability. Rosaline had beauty beyond measure (until Romeo met Juliet), yet she had
this feature that made her unattainable, she wanted to be a nun. Thus, dating and sex
were not an option for her. This usually makes a girl less attractive. I almost wonder
if Romeo did not just like the idea that she was out of his
reach.
Juliet was also beautiful, but at first Romeo did
not know how unattainable she was. Upon learning it though, he makes effort all the more
to know for sure that a future relationship was possible with
her.
In terms of difference, many people judge Romeo's
first love as infatuation. It was a crush, with no option to ever exercise feelings and
determine if a love relationship was possible. Some might even say it was lustful
because Romeo's words of adoration about Rosaline generally focused on her physical
beauty and sexual appeal. Romeo's second love, to Juliet, is often judged as true love
because it is a self-sacrificing love. Romeo is willing to give up on the feud and
appeal to Tybalt as a relative. He mourns with Juliet over their separation. Willing to
lose his own life to be with Juliet in heaven or wherever after life, many find Romeo's
suicide romantic.
A final worthy note is Romeo's
selfishness. Of both girls, Romeo wants what he wants and impulsively works to get it at
all costs.
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