The classic Disney film of Tangled portrays an eighteen year old girl named Rapunzel who has a passion for seeing the dazzling lanterns in the night sky. Mother Gothel, however, gives her the duty of protecting her magical hair from all strangers. Rapunzel gets tired of her constrained life and flees out of the tower in order to pursue her own dreams. Similarly, in the play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, and the novel Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton, the main characters flee from their stifling lives in order to pursue their passions away from their own families. In Romeo & Juliet, the contrast between passion and duty builds a central theme that explores the power of personal desires and emotions. Duty represents societal expectations,…show more content… Such as taking care of Zeena, his sick wife. However, as Mattie became a presence in his life, Ethan’s warm and caring inner personality was brought out of him. He feels a fresh sense of joy and a sense of life. Despite such conflicts being brought in with passion, the characters push themselves to exceed their own expectations and unlock their full potential. Unique talents and strengths shine through as they make a positive impact in their own lives, bringing out the best in themselves. Consequently, passion can also drive a person to pursue their dreams with determination. A deep sense of responsibility and commitment can come with passion. This is shown when Friar Lawrence decides to marry Romeo and Juliet. He says “For by your leaves, you shall not stay alone till the Holy Church incorporates two in one” (Shakespeare, ll, Vl, 36-37). Now that they are married, they have a lifelong responsibility to care for one another forever. In other words, their passion for each other led to Romeo and Juliet becoming each other's duties in their lives. They are committed to taking risks for each other and taking whatever action is necessary to love one
