Are Romeo and Juliet responsible for their own deaths?
Uploaded by Tangy on Sep 21, 2007
"Romeo and Juliet" a play written during the Elizabethan times by William Shakespeare, ends with the tragic deaths of a pair of star-crossed lovers, (Romeo and Juliet). Their unfortunate ends can be partially considered as their own fault although other events and people play significant roles. This essay will look at the factors such as Romeo's hastiness, the development of independence for Juliet, the different views on love for each individual and the feud between the two families and how these factors hastens the most unhappiest deaths.
Romeo's extreme hastiness is what leads to his early death. One example is the agreement to marry Juliet on the night they met. Romeo did not think thoroughly about the idea and how it is going to affect both of their opposing families (Montague and Capulet). When he announced his decision to the Friar, the Friar immediately insists Romeo to take things " wisely and slow". Yet Romeo turns a deaf ear to that advice. He continues to act impetuously. There seems to be no reason for Romeo to rush back to Verona and promising to poison him when Balthasar told him that Juliet is dead. Romeo should have consulted the Friar for more details. It seems as though Romeo feels that the world is passing him, very quickly and there is no time for consideration and every decision must be made in a hurry. It is because of this belief that resulted Romeo being send into his early grave. However other people and events also plays a part in why Romeo acts in this particular way.
When Juliet met Romeo her love for him changed her very quickly into an independent person. So quickly that it isolates her from any adult support, which in turns killed her. At the beginning of the play she is a responsible and obedient daughter. When asked to marry Paris Juliet’s reply was full of politeness and dutifulness. " I will look to like, if looking likely move. But no more will it endart mine eye" when Juliet met Romeo the love she had for him enables her to be more independent and willing to takes risks. When demand to marry Paris by lord Capulet, Juliet's reply was no longer the same as before. Her reply was full with disobedience and the intention of rebelling. " He shall not make me a joyful bride" "or if you...