Romeo And Juliet Violence Essay

In history, violence has been a constant force throughout evolution and shapes the fate of life. Does violence go deeper than mere foolish quarrels? Or does it chart the path of destiny? These questions resonate with the violence seen in the ultimate demise of Romeo and Juliet. The persistent motif of violence in the tragic romance, Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, conveys the predeterminism of Romeo and Juliet’s unfortunate deaths. From the start, the ongoing hatred between the Montagues and Capulets is seen, which fortifies this idea of violence. Consequently, more cruelty is present in the barbaric event in which Romeo and Mercutio encounter Tybalt, concluding in a gruesome ending. Furthermore, the most blatant violence in this tragic

This first violent act is when Tybalt attempts to aggravate Romeo to duel, but Mercutio steps in, loses, and gets killed. Initially, Romeo is rational and refuses to get involved, but he craves revenge. Romeo cries, “This day’s fate on moe days doth depend. This begins the woe others must end.” (3.1.114-5) This statement says how the violent encounter is upsetting for Romeo. He is saying how the now dark fate will determine the future and a ripple is being caused that needs to be fixed, that predicts only more sadness will come. Tybalt is messing with his emotions and he knows that he will stand up for Mercutio. Furthermore, Romeo could be predicting his very own unfavourable future by implying a “black fate” for him, unknowingly foreshadowing his own death. Similar to what was said in his statement, Romeo’s future will only have more sadness to come, with a lot of unpredictability. Once Tybalt comes back to the scene, Romeo is ready for the unexpected. He is dueling Tybalt to avenge poor Mercutio. Romeo threatens, Now, Tybalt, take the “villain” back again 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.” (3.1.120-4) This is Romeo communicating that this fight will not end unless one or both of them lose, joining Mercutio to achieve true revenge. In the end,

As it is known, Romeo is exiled from Verona and can no longer visit his beloved Juliet anymore, a fate he finds unbearable. This does not settle well so he wails, “Ha, banishment! Be merciful, say “death,” / For exile hath more terror in his sight, / Much more than death. Do not say “banishment.” (3.3.12-4) This statement reveals Romeo's perspective on his banishment and how he views death as a more merciful option, as yet again he would rather die than be forcefully separated from Juliet, foreshadowing the tragic events to come. His opinion is decidedly influenced by his intense desire to be wherever Juliet is. In addition, Romeo’s exile situation not only separates him from Juliet, but indicates how soon he will be exiled from life on Earth. In many ways throughout their story, Romeo compares and contrasts death to being with Juliet. He would rather cease to exist than be without her. In response to his banishment he shares, “Thou cutt’st my head off with a golden axe / And smilest upon the stroke that murders me.” (3.3.22-3) In these lines, Romeo conveys the agony of his banishment with a vivid and violent metaphor. This death ultimatum implies Romeo would rather be beheaded than banished away from Juliet, bringing this repetitive idea of living apart or dying together that is their predetermined fate. All this talk of how Romeo would rather die