Examples Of Tragic Flaws In Romeo And Juliet

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In William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the tragic flaws of the characters significantly contribute to their downfall. This is demonstrated by Shakespeare when he shows the complexities and nature of humans and how the weakness of individual characters contributes to the disastrous outcome of the play. Exploring the tragic flaws of Shakespearean characters allows the readers to learn valuable lessons and provides insight into their lives. The main characters in the play, Romeo and Juliet, are members of feuding families. Despite their rivalry, the two fall in love. Romeo is banished with no way to contact Juliet. Friar Lawrence instructs Juliet to fake her death with a sleeping potion, but the message doesn’t get to Romeo in time. Romeo …show more content…

When Romeo first lays eyes on Lady Juliet, he states, “Beauty too rich for us, for earth too dear. So shows a snowy dove trooping with crows. As yonder lady o’er her fellows shows” (1.5.44-46). Romeo’s immediate infatuation with Juliet demonstrates his impulsive and passionate persona. Utterly amazed by her beauty, his intense emotions, and obsession with her lead to many tragic events that unravel in this play. His reckless decisions, such as marrying Juliet so quickly and killing Tybalt lead to a chain of events that ultimately result in the deaths of both Romeo and Juliet. His inability to control his emotions and his obsessive search for love cause him to overlook the consequences of his actions. The character of Romeo highlights that abrupt and emotional decisions often have unintended …show more content…

When conversing with Romeo, Friar states, “For this alliance may so happy prove to turn your households’ rancor to pure love”(2.3.91-92). Friar Lawrence’s overconfidence clouds his judgment. In addition to marrying the couple, his risky plan involves a sleeping potion which ultimately has devastating outcomes. His belief that Romeo and Juliet's marriage could transform the tension between their families reflects good intentions but fails to consider any repercussions. A series of miscommunications results in the deaths of both young lovers. Furthermore, Friar Lawrence’s failure to know that Romeo receives the message about the plan further contributes to the tragic outcome. Friar Lawrence's actions lead to the loss of Romeo and Juliet and have a devastating impact on both families. His character emphasizes the consequences of