Essay On Impetuosity In Romeo And Juliet

The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet A single mistake born from haste, and an irrational mindset can ripple on a large scale, resulting in devastating effects. In the play "The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet," written by William Shakespeare, the fate of protagonists Romeo and Juliet showcase a prime example of the disastrous effects originating from poor choices. (improve). Throughout the play numerous errors are made which result in the demise of Romeo and Juliet, with the trait of impetuosity being central to such errors. The making of impetuous decisions applied to an older generation of mentors to the young lovers Romeo and Juliet, being Friar Lawrence and the Nurse, respectively. Overall, the commonality of impetuosity between the two generations,

For instance, Friar Lawrence, Romeo's mentor, indirectly caused the two lover's deaths by enabling their spontaneous marriage to one another, "In one respect / I'll thy assistant be; For this alliance may so happy prove To turn your households' rancor to pure love" (2.4 90-92). Although the Friar had had good intentions, his aid only worsened the situation further. The agreement to marry the pair of lovers, sealed their tragic fates in holy matrimony. Shakespeare emphasizes the Friar’s failure in this very decision, further foreshadowing to the audience of a conflict to come as a result of disastrous impetuosity. As in this case, the Friar’s amenable demeanor accompanied his hasty decision, ultimately dooming Romeo and Juliet. In the same manner, the Nurse failed as Juliet's mentor as well. The Nurse’s support of Count Paris as an ideal suitor following Romeo’s banishment, sees to intensify Juliet’s heightened feelings of distrust towards her own family, “Romeo is banished... / I think it best you married with the county. / O, he’s a lovely gentleman! / Romeo’s [weak/nothing compared] to him” (3.5 215-221). The Nurse’s contradictory ideals, hastily brought upon her by the anger of the Capulets, only served to incite feelings of disbelief and distrust within Juliet. Shakespeare’s portrayal of Juliet and the Nurse’s contrasting ideals emphasizes Juliet’s rebellious and defiant manner occurring at the climax of the play, with this very manner determining Juliet’s fate as well. Hence, the Nurse's impetuous proposition merely progresses the tragic events which befell both Romeo and Juliet. All in all, the older generation (of mentors) exemplifies the catastrophic effects of impetuous decisions as