Suicide In Romeo And Juliet

Suicide is the second most prevalent cause of death of adolescents (ages 15-19). In Romeo and Juliet, one of William Shakespeare's most acclaimed productions, the primary consequence of the constant parental control over the children is self-harm. Romeo and Juliet are passionate lovers, but their own families strong opinions about the opposing family, prevents the two lovers from being together wholeheartedly. This ghastly restriction leads to the death of two innocent children. Contrary to what some may suggest, I strongly oppose the fact that parents should make all the decisions regarding their children's future. Most of the time, when parents put unrealistic stress or pressure on their progeny, it can lead to resentment. A brilliant quote

Juliet has had many suicidal deliberations throughout the play. The first thought came after her father told her she was to marry Count Paris. After the big argument with her parents and betrayal of the nurse, Juliet decided that the only way she will be able to escape Paris is for her to execute herself. Juliet states that “If all else fail, myself have power to die.” The next time she contemplated death is when she is about to consume the potion Friar Laurence gave her. She concludes that if the mixture doesn’t work, she will be forced to kill herself with a dagger. “What if this mixture do not work at all? Shall I be married then tomorrow morning? No, no! This shall forbid it. Lie thou there. (Lays down a dagger)” The last time she wants to kill herself is when she sees Romeo dead in the Capulet tomb. This is the last time she threatens to commit to the act because she actually goes through with it. She exclaims the following quote: “Yea, noise? Then I’ll be brief. O happy dagger! This is thy sheath; there rust, and let me die.” She then takes Romeo's dagger and impales herself in the stomach after kissing him on the lips and realizing there isn’t enough poison left there to kill her also. On the other hand, there aren’t as many suicidal plans from Romeo over the course of the four day relationship. The main attempt was also his final because it occurs when he thinks Juliet is dead, even though she is just sleeping. He decided to drink poison and end his life in order to be with Juliet. To show his decision, he opines “O you, The doors of breath, seal with a righteous kiss. A dateless bargain to engrossing death! Come, bitter conduct; come, unsavory guide!” This shows that he is ready to die and wants one last kiss from Juliet. These deaths might not have ever happened if the parents weren’t so controlling of their children's futures. Perhaps if the