Shakespeare and Ondaatje

Paper Summary:

Although the plot and characters differ considerably as do the time periods in which the stories are set, "Romeo and Juliet" and "The English Patient" share themes, imagery and motifs in common. This paper explains that both stories take place amid violence and war; both are also set in Italy. It also looks at how both focus on tales of passionate, forbidden and unrequited love that is made all the more powerful against the violent backdrop.

From the Paper:

"War also causes the characters in both Romeo and Juliet and The English Patient to concoct convoluted plans that cause tragedy and death. For example, Juliet takes a potion that makes her appear dead and lies in a family crypt awaiting Romeo's arrival. Her plan backfires due to mixed messages; because she took the potion a day early and because Romeo never became aware of the plan the two lovers die side by side. Similarly, the English Patient is forced to leave Katherine in a cave with the intent of returning to rescue her. His plan backfires as well, causing her death and his being burned. Both stories thus end in a bittersweet peace. The tragedy befalling all the sets of lovers is foretold and foreshadowed by the warlike imagery and violent backdrop; war and violence pervades both Romeo and Juliet and The English Patient. No plan, however well-concocted, can save or reunite the lovers. Death is the inevitable outcome of war, tragedy the inevitable outcome of romance. In the end of both Romeo and Juliet and The English Patient, a sense of peace and relief sets in over the characters; however, this peace is bittersweet, borne of the acceptance of death, tragedy, and unfulfilled romantic love."

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