Romeo and Juliet before the Mask

Rosaline is a central although unseen character in Shakespeare's classic "Romeo and Juliet". Before the two fated lovers meet at the masked ball at the Capulet mansion, Romeo is in Petrarchan love (crush) with Rosaline, Juliet's older cousin. However, Rosaline is completely uninterested. After meeting Juliet, Romeo learns what real love is and loses interest in Rosaline.

The first exchange shows Friar Francis attempting to help Romeo discern the nature of his crush on Rosaline and to get more real in his approaches to women. The second exchange shows Rosaline convincing Juliet to take the spotlight instead of her, partially in hopes of giving Romeo another star to chase.

The exchanges are in sonnet form. Romeo and Friar Lawrence speak in Shakespearean sonnets. Rosaline and Juliet speak in Petrarchan sonnets.

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