Examples Of Tragic Flaws In Romeo And Juliet

Evan Garcia
Anderson
Hon English 9
14 April 2023
A Hero’s Fault
A hero is somebody who the people can look to and support or relate to, a tragic hero is a hero with a flaw. A tragic hero’s flaw is called a tragic flaw, and examples of such would be Dr. Frankenstein’s hubris or Superman’s humility. These tragic flaws become the tragic hero’s demise. In “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare, Romeo’s tragic flaw of impulsiveness makes him a tragic hero, as his impulsiveness leads to his downfall.

Romeo’s impulsiveness is first shown when he meets Juliet, and acting immediately on his emotions with little thought leaves him with regret. When he meets Juliet, Romeo immediately says all that is on his mind in an impulse: “If I profane with

This is yet another example of Romeo speaking without thinking. He asks for a kiss from Juliet even though he has no real knowledge of her and is acting on

Before killing Tybalt, Romeo states, “And fire-eyed fury be my conduct now!”(III, i,122). Romeo murders Tybalt, and in his own other words says that he is guided by rage. He is once again allowing his emotions to take control, but this time it’s his anger that compels him. After marrying Romeo and Juliet, Friar Lawrence gives advice: “These violent delights have violent ends\ And in their triumph die, like fire and powder”(II, iv, 9-10). This shows that acting on emotion can result in consequences. Such as marrying someone immediately after one marries them. After witnessing Mercutio’s death, Romeo states, “O, I am fortune’s fool”(III, i,134). This shows that the death of Romeo’s friend is a consequence of his actions. Romeo acting on impulse and marrying Juliet, results in his rejecting Tybalt’s duel, and his actions get Mercutio killed. Romeo’s impulsiveness is also shown when he acts upon his