Comparing the Love of Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night and...

No emotion has such universal meaning as love. It is an integral part of the human condition. Love is the basis for by which all other emotions can be gauged. Friendship and even grief are steeped in love. Love is so central to our lives that it is fitting and proper that it should be the topic of so much discussion. Every culture and every writer has some commentary or evaluation of love. The New Testament has its share of love commentary. The entire basis of the Christian tradition is Gods love for humanity. God so loved the world that he gave his only Son. (John 3:6) Jesus preached a great deal about love of neighbor, love of God and even love of enemies. (Matt 5:44) Shakespeares Biblical knowledge is well known and he†¦show more content†¦Among the multitudinous biblical references to love, the most comprehensive and decisive assessment of true love comes in St. Pauls First Letter to the Corinthians. He begins by stating that despite all of his faith and gifts from God, if I have no love, I am nothing. (I Cor. 13:2) Clearly, Paul recognizes the importance of love. He goes on to define love in very explicit terms, telling both what love is and what it is not. Paul begins, Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs. (I Cor. 13:4-5) The Apostle continues with the declaration that love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. (I Cor. 13:6) Recall here the biblical prohibition of cross-dressing (Deut. 22:5) and lying (Deut. 5:20) Disguise and deceit are far from the truth that makes love happy. The exhortation continues: Love never gives up; and its faith, hope and patience never fail. Love is eternal... when what is perfect comes, what is partial will disappear... Meanwhile, these three remain: faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love. (I Cor. 13:7-8, 10, 13) Pauls letter provides a comprehensive basisShow MoreRelatedGender in Shakespeares Othello, Romeo and Juliet, and Twelfth Night3235 Words   |  13 PagesBecca Griffing 02/08/2012 Shakespeare in Love Analyze the representation of gender in two or more plays and/or films When reading literature from the Renaissance period, it is clear to see male and female characters were thought upon as two completely different types of people. By following what the bible told them about the opposite sexes, writers in this time were able to set specific gender norms for both men and women. However, when reading the works of William Shakespeare, one can sense