There are several qualities that enter into a literary work's being considered a classic, one that lasts the test of time. Among these are the following:
- Universality - themes and language appeal to people of different cultures as well as different time periods
- Effective language - the language has a beauty and appeal of its own.
- Value - a classic explores existential and worthy ideas
Certainly, William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet meets the criteria of what makes a classic. For, its appeal is universal, its themes are forever pertinent, and its language is aesthetic and profound.
The theme of youthful impetuosity vs. the wisdom of age is, indeed, universal:
These violent delights have violent ends,/And in their triumph die, like fire and powder/Which as they kiss consume. The sweetest honey/Is loathsome in his own deliciousness,/And in the tast confounds the appetite./Therefore, love moderately, long love doth so,/Too swift arrives, as tardy as too slow. (II,vi,9-15)
That the language of Romeo and Juliet is exquisite is clearly evidenced in the meeting of Juliet and Romeo as they speak to each other in a beautiful sonnet:
If I profane my unworthiest hand/This holy shrine, the gentle fine is this,/My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand/To smooth that rought touch with a tender kiss....(I,v,88-102)
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