What does 'these violent delights have violent ends' mean?

Answer 1

This phrase suggests that pursuits of intense pleasure or happiness can often lead to destructive or dangerous outcomes. It's a warning that indulging in excessive or extreme pleasures can have negative consequences or result in tragedy.

Answer 2

Friar Laurence tries to talk some sense into Romeo, saying "These violent delights have violent ends / And in their triumph die, like fire and powder, / Which as they kiss consume" (2.6.9-11). The "powder" of the Friar's simile is gunpowder; the "triumph" of fire and gunpowder is the brilliant show of fireworks that results when the two touch; "consume" means "consume each other." After the fireworks, there's nothing left.

Answer 3

Romeo and Juliet Act2 Scene6

These violent delights have violent ends and in triumph die like fire and powder which as they kiss consume. The sweetest honey is loathsome in his own deliciousness and in the taste confounds the appetite therefore love moderately long love doth so too swift arrives as tardy as to slow

Friar Laurence

Answer 4

This quotation is from William Shakespeare's tragedy Romeo and Juliet. It means that dangerous passions if pursued, have dangerous results.

Answer 5

Friar Laurence