Romeos Self Sabotage
Romeo Montague, the tragic protagonist of William Shakespeare's play, Romeo and Juliet, is a character who, despite his good intentions, ultimately stands in his own way. Throughout the play, Romeo's impulsive nature, rash decisions, and inability to control his emotions lead to a series of tragic events that ultimately result in his own downfall.
From the outset of the play, Romeo is characterized as a lovesick and emotional young man. He is deeply depressed and obsessed with the idea of love, and becomes infatuated with Rosaline, a woman who does not reciprocate his feelings. Romeo's cousin suggests going to a party to cheer him up and to look upon “all the admired beauties of Verona '' (1.2.85.)This initial obsession for rosaline sets the stage for Romeo's impulsive behavior
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He knows that the two families are enemies, but he cannot resist his feelings for Juliet and decides to pursue her despite the risks. He impetuously decides to sneak into the Capulet's garden to see her again, which sets the wheels in motion for the tragic events that follow.
As Romeo and Juliet's relationship develops, Romeo continues to make rash decisions that ultimately lead to his own downfall. For example in (3.1.90-137), when Tybalt kills Romeo's friend Mercutio, Romeo becomes enraged and kills Tybalt in revenge. This decision leads to his exile from Verona and his separation from Juliet.
Romeo's impulsiveness and inability to control his emotions lead him to make additional bad decisions, such as when he went rushing to buy poison at (5.1.61-91), without thinking through the consequences of his actions. This decision ultimately results in the tragic deaths of both Romeo and