Romeo And Juliet Collective Responsibility Essay

Hannah Keating Mrs. Gambardella English 9 Honors 5 April 2024 The Collective Responsibility for Romeo and Juliet’s Deaths William Shakespeare’s timeless love story, “Romeo and Juliet” is a classic that intricately weaves themes of love, conflict, and fate, culminating in the heartbreaking demise of the main characters. These themes unfold amidst a spite-filled feud between the houses of Montague and Capulet, setting the stage for events that later resulted in the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. These two lovers’ are forbidden to be together, yet still continue their relationship in secret. Despite how every character in some shape or form impacted the tragedy, it is undeniable that the parents of the star-crossed lovers, Friar Lawrence, and the

Friar Lawrence had many miscalculations throughout the play, most notably, however, was his decision to marry the young couple. When speaking with Romeo early in the play, he warns him, “These violent delights have violent ends and in their triumph die, like fire and powder, which, as they kiss, consume” (Act 2, scene 6, lines 9-11). This confirms that Friar Lawrence, an educated adult, agreed to marrying the two, despite admittedly having reservations. He continued to aid Romeo and Juliet in making poor judgements from start to end in the play; devising and poorly executing risky plans to please Romeo and Juliet. For example, instead of working with Juliet to unite the two houses while Romeo was in exile, he improvised a plan to fake Juliet’s death, not having the foresight to prepare against possible consequences or obstacles. Because of his failure to provide Romeo and Juliet with proper resources and advice, Friar Lawrence played a large role in unwittingly contributing to their disastrous

Romeo spontaneously marries Juliet, not caring about the aftermath of it. This is evident when he exclaims, “Then love-devouring death do what he dare; It is enough I may but call her mine” (Act 5, Scene 3). Furthermore, Romeo is impulsive in nature and should be held accountable for his actions. Not just that, but later in the play Juliet’s rash decision to take an unreliable potion and feign her death, rather than confide in her family, exacerbated the situation, causing her own misfortune. Together, Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers naivety curated the perfect recipe for disaster. Their inability to communicate openly and seek alternative resolutions reflects their immaturity, and presents the idea that they were not equipped to handle marriage at their young age. In conclusion, while various characters in Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet, had a part in the deaths of the tragic lovers, it is their parents, Friar Lawrence, and their own who share the blame. The toxic feud of the houses, the misjudged actions of the Friar, and the hasty decisions made by the protagonists collectively create a poignant portrayal of the destructive power of love, fate, and human