Romeo Is To Blame In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

Iliana Morales, Ms. Owens Hon. Eng. 9/Per. -. 1 02/27/2024 Benjamin Franklin once said, “We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid.” Romeo Montague was born into a flawed family with a feud against another flawed family. At every fork in the road, Romeo chose stupid. He was challenged and discouraged, but he managed to act destructively in every way possible. Romeo and Juliet were placed in an unfortunate situation so, one might applaud Romeo for looking past his family’s ancient grudge and choosing to love a Capulet. Romeo didn’t just choose Juliet, he chose stupidity and the death of those he loved. In William Shakespeare’s play, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, Romeo himself is the only one to blame for Romeo and Juliet’s death.

When Romeo first appears, he is distraught over Rosaline, whom he calls his one true love. Histrionic over being dumped, he refuses to believe there could ever be anyone half as lovely as her. In mere hours, Romeo lays eyes on Juliet and proceeds to discard Rosaline like last week’s news. Romeo is so lustful, that he doesn’t even know Juliet’s name before he asks her to “let lips do what hands do” (Act 1 Scene 5). Within three days, Romeo goes from weeping over his rejection to ending his life with a new girl. Rosaline knew Romeo’s motives, Juliet had her doubts about whether his intentions were pure, and Friar Lawrence called him out. In fact, Friar Lawrence points out that, “[Rosaline] knew well / They love did not read by rote, that could not spell” (Act 2 Scene 3). Romeo was not only lustful, but he was also an incredibly rash boy. Romeo’s temperament and arrogance consistently placed him in dangerous circumstances. While in Friar Lawrence’s cell, he is warned to slow down and approach his situation with caution because “they stumble that run fast” (Act 2 Scene