“There are some tragedies that never should have happened but did.” This quote by Sue Wilder encapsulates the story of Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare. In the story, two young lovers are driven to death because their families will not allow them to marry. The tragedy was unnecessary and never should have happened if not for a long-standing feud between the two families. The issue stems from the selfishness of the people of Verona, where Romeo and Juliet takes place. However, this story is not uncommon. Because of the quote’s inherent repetition in time and literature, I think it lines up with Romeo and Juliet in many ways as the story unfolds. Throughout the play, there are a few small tragedies that lead to the climax and largest tragedy …show more content…
The reason these children believed that they had to die to be with each other forever was because they felt unsafe to love who they love publicly. There was constant threat and judgment from the opposite family. For example, during a Capulet feast, Tybalt Capulet spotted Romeo dancing with Juliet. He disrupts the night by exclaiming, “This, by his voice, should be a Montague.— Fetch me my rapier, boy.Now, by the stock and honor of my kin,/To strike him dead I hold it not a sin.” (Act 1 Sc. 5) It’s hard to imagine a situation where Romeo and Juliet would feel safe to be in love, while Juliet’s cousin is always ready to kill Montague. Luckily, not all people in Verona feel like the feud is worth the hassle. In response to Tybalt’s concern about hosting a Montague at a Capulet party, Lord Capulet reacts calmly. He says, “Well said, my hearts.—You are a princox, go./Be quiet, or—More light, more light!—for shame,/I’ll make you quiet.—What, cheerly, my hearts!” (Act 1 Sc. 5) The Lord’s response is light-hearted and has the intention to carry on with the festivities and have fun, no matter who is there. The man who started the ancient grudge himself doesn’t seem to care that an “enemy” is on his