What are some of the major themes in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet?

Naturally,
a major theme in is love, but that theme has many different variations.

One variation explores the possibility of love at first sight. But beyond
that, the play explores love as an overwhelming force. Whencouncelsto forget about Rosaline, his
reply is "O, teach me how I should forget to think" (Act 1, Scene 1). Furthermore,
love is portrayed as a force that rushes Romeo and 's relationship at full speed until it final
leads to their demise. 

Another love theme is the portrayal of love as both a
blessing and a torment. Romeo makes this clear in his opening lines about Rosaline, referring to
love as "O brawling love!" and "O loving hate!" (Act 1, Scene 1).

Loyalty is also a recurring theme in the play. Juliet is expected to be faithful to her
family, while Romeo is expected to be faithful to his. However, since both families are at war,
their love for each other drives them to be disloyal. Juliet declares that she will cease being
a Capulet if Romeo would say he loves her (Act 2, Scene 2). Romeo even abandons his cousins and
friends to seek out Juliet in the garden (Act 1, Scene 1).

Finally, social
constraints is also a major theme. The Montagues and Capulets are constrained from continuing
their battles by . Romeo is restrained from being able to marry Juliet because she is a Capulet
and at war with his family. Juliet is constrained by her father, as head of the household, and
commanded to marry .