In my middle-aged, somewhat jaded opinion, the Coming of Age lesson that young adults should learn from Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy Romeo and Juliet is that obsessive, addictive love is nothing but destructive, much like a fast-acting narcotic.
Love that lasts, just like goals that last and education that lasts, is comfortable, stable, and kind. Love that is edgy, dangerous, and all-consuming might seem fun but the fire will eventually burn those involved. What is absolutely clear from this play, too, is that the heat of such obsessive, addictive, dangerous love does not just affect the young (or old) couple involved in it; the ripple effect has the possibility of leaving lasting scars on others - some of whom we may not be able to predict, by the way. None of us really know who our lives - or deaths - will affect dramatically.
This play speaks to all of us, young, middle-aged, and old alike, because human passion is wonderful but potentially damaging. When human beings from any culture, from any time period lose themselves in one aspect of their lives, unbalance and chaos ensue.
Every year, I hope that my students come away from the study of this play with a self-awareness that love that burns too hot will burn them and leave their lives in ash, if they are not careful.