Deadly Consequences Of Love In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

Do things not fall when rushed? Do things not flourish when given time? William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is the most notable literary representation of love and life gone too fast. This concept is mainly outlined by the introduction of love at first sight, ending with the death of the two protagonists. In addition, Shakespeare demonstrates a different kind of love, the friendship between Romeo and Mercutio, that leads to deadly consequences. On the contrary, Romeo and Juliet is ironic in that it expresses the power of being wise by Benvolio’s presence. Friar Lawrence fully supports this claim when he foreshadows the upcoming misfortunate events and warns Romeo that love should be “wisely and slow// They stumble that run fast,” (II.III.94).

For example, the entire relationship between Juliet and Romeo was only a span of a week. It caused several suicide attempts, and in the end, resulted in the death of both because of no time for explanation nor understanding.

The Friar’s statement does not only apply to the ending of Romeo and Juliet, but to the bond of Romeo and Mercutio. Mercutio’s attitude and actions changed constantly which often affected the others around him, especially Romeo. His temper and feud with the Capulets leads to a last-minute involvement with Tybalt and ends with the death of Mercutio. Romeo is furious and Benvolio describes him as “Who had but newly entertained revenge,” (III.I.167). From Romeo’s irrationality he kills Tybalt and is banished from Verona.

Furthermore, the quote demonstrates Benvolio as“Wisely and slow” (II.III.94) to show how if one were to take his time and be rational, they will have a better outcome or in Shakespeare’s writing, still be alive. Benvolio exhibits this by trying to break up the fight between servant Capulets and Montagues in the beginning, and when he reasons with Romeo about