In William Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, the titular characters meet a tragic end. The question that lingers in the minds of many is, who is most to blame for their deaths? While it may be tempting to assign blame to a singular character, the reality is that numerous individuals contributed to the tragic outcome. However, I argue that the blame ultimately falls on the patriarch of the Capulet family, Lord Capulet.
It is Lord Capulet who sets the tragic events in motion. He is the one who insists that Juliet marry Paris, despite her protests. In Act III, Scene 5, he tells Juliet, “I tell thee what: get thee to church o' Thursday, or never after look me in the face. Speak not, reply not, do not answer me!” Lord Capulet’s insistence on the marriage is a direct violation of Juliet’s wishes and desires. He is willing to force her into a marriage for the sake of his own pride and social standing, rather than considering her happiness.
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In Act I, Scene 1, Lord Capulet is at the center of a street brawl between the two families. He is quick to anger and ready to fight. In Act III, Scene 1, Tybalt kills Mercutio, and Romeo subsequently kills Tybalt. It is Lord Capulet who demands that Romeo be punished for his actions, even though the feud between the families is the root cause of the