Romeo and Juliet Theme of Sex

In the hormone-charged atmosphere of Romeo and Juliet, it seems that pretty much everything is about sex. A boy and girl from warring families fall in love, and their relationship is marked by both intense chemistry and the constant threat of violence. Romeo and Juliet live in Verona, a city where the dirty jokes are constant, violence becomes eroticized, and even asking the time of day acquires a sexual connotation. ("The bawdy hand of the dial is now upon the prick of noon," quips Mercutio.) In this hyper-sexual atmosphere, it can be tempting to interpret the protagonists' young love as primarily physical. Their relationship, however, delineates a relationship between sex and love that eludes the stereotypes other characters try to project on them.

1. What is the relationship between love and sex in the play? Are they synonymous or, is there a difference between them?
2. How do different characters characterize sexuality – as disgusting, funny, or violent? Or some other adjective we failed to mention?
3. What is the interplay between Romeo and Juliet's sexual attraction and their emotional attraction?

Romeo and Juliet's relationship doesn't fit the stereotype that men are interested in sex and women are interested in emotional fulfillment: sexuality is an important part of their relationship for both Romeo and Juliet.

Mercutio's characterization of sex as violent or laughable shows that he is an enemy to love.