Blame for the Deaths of Romeo and Juliet Suicide is characterized by deliberately bringing about one's own death. At the moment suicide is committed, most lack fully functioning decision-making skills due mental instability clouding their judgement. Thus, the majority of suicides are the result of impulsive actions. One such story which encompasses the topic of suicide is William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, a well-known tragedy about two star-crossed lovers fated to die by their own hands. Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, the heirs of two wealthy feuding families, fall madly in love with each other. Keeping their love a secret, misfortune befalls the couple when Romeo gets banished from Verona. Juliet, desperate to be with her lover, …show more content…
Unfortunately, due to a series of misunderstandings spurred by the impulsivity of Romeo and Juliet, the plan goes awry and the two take their own lives. Although many factors led to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, it was their own impulsivity and decision to commit suicide that ultimately led to the demise of the two lovers. Some may argue that it was the irresponsibility and rashness of Friar Lawrence’s actions that resulted in the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. Friar Lawrence did not take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the young couple. Instead, he made a hasty plan to reunite the two lovers after it was announced that Juliet would wed Paris. This faulty planning led to the letter not being delivered to Romeo, Romeo killing himself in grief, and Juliet following suit. However, this claim is invalid. First, Friar Lawrence’s hasty planning was due to Juliet pressuring him: “Unless thou tell me how I may prevent it. If in thy wisdom thou canst give me no help, Do thou but call my resolution wise, And with this knife I’ll …show more content…
Being married to Romeo, Juliet was against the idea of marrying Paris. So she confronts Friar Lawrence, threatening to kill herself if he did not help her cause. Despite the Friar's warnings about his risky plan, Juliet says, “Give me, give me! O, tell not me of fear! [giving Juliet the vial]” (IV.i.123). In other words, Juliet immediately agreed to the Friar’s plan without stopping to consider how it might affect her. Her impatience and immaturity are displayed through her words, “Give me, give me” after hearing the Friar’s plan. Juliet’s rashness and hastiness concerning this plan allowed for no back-up plan to be made as she only focused on seeing Romeo as soon as she could. This lack of planning is what led to Romeo being misinformed, leading to his demise. If Juliet had taken time to assess her emotions and the situation at hand, both her and Romeo’s deaths would have been