What Romeo And Juliet Planned To Do In Mantua

What Romeo and Juliet Planned to Do in Mantua: A Detailed Look at Their Unfulfilled Future

Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet ends tragically, leaving readers to ponder what might have been. Banished Romeo, escaping Verona's deadly feuds, finds refuge in Mantua. But what future did he and Juliet envision together in this seemingly peaceful city? While the play doesn't explicitly detail a meticulous plan, we can infer their likely intentions and aspirations based on their characters, their relationship, and the context of their situation. This exploration delves into the possibilities, examining their probable plans from both individual and collective perspectives.

Romeo's Plans in Mantua: Escape and Reconciliation

For Romeo, Mantua offered a much-needed respite from the relentless violence and despair of Verona. His immediate plan was simple: survival. Escape from the Prince's decree and the escalating feud was paramount. He sought not only physical safety but also the mental space to process his grief and trauma. His initial state is one of utter despair, evidenced by his famous soliloquy where he contemplates suicide. However, the hope of reuniting with Juliet would have undoubtedly fueled his desire to live.

Finding Peace and Stability

Mantua, as a neutral territory, provided the necessary distance from the Montague-Capulet conflict. He would have sought stability, a chance to rebuild his life beyond the shadow of familial hatred. This wouldn't have been solely a physical relocation; it also included an emotional and mental recalibration. The relentless pressure of the feud, the intense emotional rollercoaster of his forbidden love, and the recent loss of Mercutio and Tybalt would have left him emotionally exhausted.

Strategizing for Reunion: A Long-Term Goal

While survival was immediate, his long-term plan undoubtedly centered around Juliet. He didn't simply flee; he fled to her. His letters reveal a desperate longing for her presence. His intention was not to remain indefinitely in isolation; he desperately needed to devise a way to reunite with his beloved. This would have involved several elements:

• Communication: Maintaining constant contact with Juliet was crucial. Given the limitations of communication in that era, he would likely rely on Friar Laurence for messages, creating a complex network of communication through trusted messengers.
• Financial Stability: Romeo, while belonging to a noble family, was likely not independently wealthy. He'd need to secure his financial footing in Mantua to support himself and, eventually, Juliet. This might have involved finding employment or leveraging his family connections, however limited those might be in his exiled state.
• Negotiating with Families: This was perhaps the most challenging aspect. Their relationship was the core of the conflict; he needed to find a way to reconcile the families or at least secure their tacit acceptance of his union with Juliet. This may have involved seeking support from more moderate members of both families or relying on Friar Laurence’s influence.

Juliet's Plans: Escape and a Future with Romeo

Juliet's situation was more complex. Trapped in a forced marriage, she was facing a cruel ultimatum: marry Paris or face her family's wrath. Her plan, orchestrated with Friar Laurence, was daring and risky – feigning death to escape her predicament and eventually reunite with Romeo. However, her plans extended beyond mere survival; she envisioned a future where she could truly be with Romeo, free from the constraints of her family and Verona's societal pressures.

Breaking Free from Verona's Constraints

Escape from Verona wasn't just a physical act; it represented her liberation from a life predetermined for her. Her family’s expectations, the societal pressures of arranged marriage, and the relentless conflict between the Montagues and Capulets – these were all constraints that Juliet was actively trying to shed. Mantua, therefore, represented not only a place of refuge but also a symbol of her newfound independence.

Building a Life Together: A Shared Vision

Juliet's plans weren't solely reactive; they were proactive and forward-looking. Her actions suggest a shared vision of the future with Romeo – a vision beyond mere survival. This involved:

• A Private Life: Mantua offered the possibility of a private life, away from the scrutiny and judgments of Verona. They could build a life together, undisturbed by the endless conflict that had dominated their lives up to that point.
• Building a Family: While not explicitly stated, the implication is that Juliet longed for a traditional family life with Romeo. The tragic ending leaves this unfulfilled, but her willingness to take such drastic measures to be with him points towards her desire for a future encompassing a family and home of their own.
• Reconciliation (or Escape from it): Juliet might have envisioned a life where they live outside the shadow of the family feud. This could be achieved through reconciliation – a long shot – or simply through living far enough away that the conflict in Verona doesn't affect them.

Their Shared Plans in Mantua: A Life Beyond Verona

While their individual plans involved escape and survival, their shared plans went far beyond merely existing. They were planning to build a life together – a life built on love, trust, and a shared desire to escape the suffocating grip of the Verona feud. This shared vision is implied through their actions, their letters, and their desperate longing for each other.

A Simple Life, Free from Conflict: A Realistic Aspiration

Considering their circumstances, it's realistic to assume their plans weren't extravagant. They likely envisioned a simple life, free from the endless conflict and societal pressure of Verona. This would have involved finding modest lodgings, securing a sustainable income, and building a strong foundation for their relationship.

Overcoming Obstacles: Their Shared Resilience

The strength of their love was evident in their willingness to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. The dangers involved in Juliet's plan, Romeo's exile, and the pervasive hostility between their families – these didn't deter them. Their shared resilience, fueled by their deep affection for each other, would have undoubtedly guided their plans in Mantua.

The Unfulfilled Promise: A Tragic Ending

Ultimately, their plans in Mantua remained tragically unfulfilled. The complexities of communication, the unpredictable nature of fate, and the tragic miscommunication that leads to Juliet's death highlight the fragility of their hopes and dreams. While we can only speculate on the details of their envisioned future, their longing for a peaceful and loving life in Mantua remains a poignant testament to the power of their love, and the devastating consequences of societal conflict. The play's ending doesn't just mourn their deaths; it mourns the loss of a future they were bravely trying to build. The vibrant possibility of what might have been in Mantua remains one of the most haunting aspects of Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy.