How Do Romeo And Juliet Make Reckless Decisions

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Almost everyone makes impulsive decisions once or twice in their life, which often result in negative consequences. While some people learn from their mistakes, others do not, and continue to make the same mistakes. In the play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, young lovers Romeo and Juliet are guilty of such actions. The tragedy takes place in Verona, Italy, where two enemy families, the Montagues and Capulets, reside. It follows the story of Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, who each are the only child of their respective family. Romeo and Juliet fall madly in love, but due to their families’ feud, they have no chance of being together with their parents’ consent. Over the course of a few days, numerous deaths occur due to their …show more content…

During a party hosted by Lord Capulet, Juliet’s father, Romeo sees Juliet for the first time. Over the course of this meeting, Romeo proclaims, “Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! / for I ne’er saw true beauty till this night” (1.5.50-51). At this point, Romeo is infatuation with Rosaline, Lord Capulet’s niece and a girl who sworn to remain chaste, is still present. However, as soon as Romeo lays eyes on Juliet, he forgets entirely of his previous love for Rosaline. In fact, Romeo begins to question whether he was actually in love with Rosaline. This establishes that Romeo already makes hasty decisions when it comes to love. Next, while speaking to Romeo in secret on her balcony, Juliet proposes the idea of marriage: “If thy bent of love be honorable / thy purpose marriage, send me word tomorrow” (2.2.143-144). Romeo and Juliet have only known each other for a few hours, yet they are already thinking about marriage. This is an extremely impulsive decision for the both of them. Unsurprisingly, Romeo complies, and the two later marry in secret. Both Romeo and Juliet make rash decisions this night, which soon result in grave