Intro-In Romeo and Juliet, friendships are a very big and complex part of the play. Today modern teenagers still have some of the traits from centuries ago in Shakespeare's time. But friendships in the 21st century are better than the friendships in the 16th century.
Argument #1-Friendships now and centuries ago still follow some of the same principles like supporting friends either if they're in trouble or distressed."Be ruled by me, forget to think of her","By giving liberty unto thine eyes;Examine other beauties." In act 1 scene 1, Romeo is depressed that Rosaline isn't affectionate about him. Those quotes are from Benvolio who is trying to comfort Romeo, by telling him that there is no need to weep over one lady when there's plenty more out there. When this particular event happens now days it's the same reaction, friends comfort friends."I will stay with thee, and never from this palace of dim light depart again.Also men or boys these days don't have suicidal thoughts like Romeo.
Argument #2- In Romeo and Juliet, friendships don't always revolve around being happy, it could also be fatal. For example; when Mercutio says "A plague o'both your houses", he says this because his friendship caused his death. If Romeo fought his own battle then Mercutio would still be alive. It relates to our time because friendships can cause a rivalry, which leads to in school brawls and in those fights people jump in trying to help.Sometimes the end result isn't pretty. But it is not as severe as the fights in Shakespeare's time.
Argument #3-friendships are better now than they were back in their time for many reasons.In Shakespeare's time, if two people were arguing, its automatically going to start a fight because fighting is the solution.In our time, there are multiple ways of stopping a brawl. Just talk it out, fight, or just simply ignore it.Also most fights won't lead to something fatal like death. Another way the 21st century is better is that friends stay together.For example, in the play Balthazar followed romeos instructions of staying outside and letting him commit suicide.Friends don't let friends commit suicide, matter of fact they would persuade them not to. Even though Balthazar admires and cares for Romeo, he shouldn't have listened to Romeo."By heaven, I will tear thee joint by joint and strew this hungry churchyard with thy limbs", "I will be gone sir, and not trouble you".Our generation we don't threaten our closest pals.
Friendships now are likely more tolerant than they were back then. In the sixteenth century they weren't tolerant, certain things could lead to death. The reason to compare them both is to show that some characteristics have improved in relationships in our time. Some of them are loyalty and honesty.
