Causes of Romeo and Juliet's Untimely Fate Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare represents how reckless and emotional decisions can lead to a grave end. The actions of Romeo, Juliet, and the Friar between the two families caused the tragic consequences of the play. Romeo’s careless choices throughout the play lead to the tragedy at the end. At the start of Act II, the star-crossed lovers first laid eyes on each other at the Capulet party. While the party was coming to an end, Romeo sneaks over to Juliet’s balcony and tells himself, “Can I go forward when my heart is here? Turn back, dull earth, and find thy center. 2.1.2.1-2. -. Romeo’s overstatement portrays his devotion and impulsivity toward Juliet Capulet, whom he met. He truly believes that she is the center of his world. …show more content…
During the dramatic scene of the play, Tybalt, the cousin of his wife, kills Mercutio, and Romeo, in a fit of rage, swears to get revenge and declares, “That late thou gavest me; for Mercutio’s soul is but a little way above our heads, staying for thine to keep him company. Either thou or I, or both, must go with him. 3.1.128-131. This vindictive promise challenges Tybalt, Mercutio’s murderer, to a duel, and the outcome is in Romeo’s favor. When the Prince finds out about the ordeal, he ultimately decides to exile Romeo from the town of Verona permanently. The banishment of Romeo challenges their relationship. Nearing the end of the play, Romeo Montague finds out about Juliet’s untimely “death” and while he visits her in her tomb, Romeo drinks poison in an attempt to kill himself to join Juliet, his wife, in the afterlife. Right after he drinks it, he says to Juliet’s “dead body”, “Come, cordial and not poison, go with me to Juliet's grave; for there I use thee. 5.1.85-86”.