Comparing Shakespeare's The Tragedy Of Romeo And Juliet

Many people in today’s society are familiar with the plot line of The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare; two young lovers meet for the first time at a feast then proceed to get married less than one week later. Romeo and Juliet were “star-crossed lovers” which means they were destined not to be together. However, their tragic ending would have never came about if it weren’t for Romeo’s actions. Prince Escalus even states at the end, “For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo” once everyone found out about their terrible deaths (Shakespeare 478). If Romeo didn’t attend the feast, kiss Juliet, confess his love to her, and proposes that they should get married, the two of them would have never fallen

While a Capulet servant is looking for someone to read the names on the invitation letter, Romeo and Benvolio help him out. The servant then tells them what the names are for, so Romeo and Benvolio decide to go, especially for Romeo to see Rosaline (Shakespeare 384-386). Romeo should not have agreed to become a guest of this feast since that is where his and Juliet’s love story starts. While Romeo is in the Capulet’s house, he spots a girl and exclaims, “O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night as a rich Jewel in an Ethiop’s ear…” (Shakespeare 393). He then proceeds to dance with her and kiss her twice even though they have only met minutes prior to this event. Romeo says, “If I profane with my unworthiest hand this holy, the gentle sin is this: my lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand to smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss … Move not while my prayer’s effect I take. Thus from my lips, by thine my sin is purged” (Shakespeare 394). When Romeo had Juliet kiss him, he was sparking their love interests and starting the path toward their end. Once the feast had finished, Romeo went to the Capulet’s orchard to find Juliet. He finds her talking over a balcony about whether or not she loves him but is overheard by Romeo himself. He then confesses his love back to her and

Not even a week after they got married, Tybalt wanted to fight Romeo. Since they were now related, Romeo didn’t want to potentially kill one of his new relatives, but Mercutio gladly fought instead. Unfortunately, Mercutio was killed by Tybalt and as revenge, Romeo battled against his friend’s opponent. He ended up slaying Tybalt which didn’t relieve any of the tension and anger between the two houses or brighten Juliet’s day since she’ll find out that her new husband has killed her cousin (Shakespeare 426-429). Thereafter, Prince Escalus evaluated the event and came to a conclusion that Romeo will be exiled from Verona and killed if he is ever found returning (Shakespeare 430). The news of this happening had a huge negative impact on Juliet. She thought he was dead at first but then weeps for him after she finds out that they will be farther apart than ever (Shakespeare 432-434). If Romeo didn’t slay Tybalt he would have been able to stay in Verona and possibly have a better chance at a future with Juliet. The hatred between the houses would not have increased and if he wasn’t banished, and his relationship might have actually brought the two families