The Consequences Of Lack Of Authority In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

Often, people run away from their problems because they are afraid of the consequences they would face if held accountable. These moments in. William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet illustrates how difficult situations unveil a brave or cowardly character, depending on how they confront those situations. When Romeo and Juliet, noble young courtiers from feuding families, meet, they fall passionately in love with one another and decide they want to be married. A Friar marries them to end the feud but soon realizes how hastily the marriage is performed. Throughout the play, the characters struggle to hold themselves accountable for the problems in their relationship and never realize the consequences of their actions too late. The need for accountability

At the start of the play, servants of the Capulet house provoke those of the Montague house, and they draw their swords to a duel. Prince Escalus arrives, after the masters of each house have, and says that the servants “Have thrice disturbed the quiet of our streets,” which indirectly expresses that a duel had happened twice before where nothing was done (1.1.86). Escalus’ absence throughout the feud indicates the lack of control or involvement the Prince has toward his citizens. Much of the violence throughout the play is caused by Escalus’ inability to enforce his rules and regulations. Much of the violence throughout the play is caused by the Prince’s inability to enforce his laws. Near the end of the play, the Friar speaks to Juliet and says, “Come, I’ll dispose of thee among a sisterhood of holy nuns.” in a desperate attempt to clear his name (5.3.156-157). While the Friar’s intentions are honorable, he never enforces his moral law on the two lovers and lets them run awry, this yields a similar result to the Prince’s partial submission to his subjects — both run awry. Escalus never attempts to mediate the feud between the two households and the Friar never tells Romeo and Juliet that such a hasty marriage is irresponsible. In both cases, the authoritarian figures are indirectly

After speaking to Paris about their marriage in Friar Lawerence’s cell, she asks to speak privately with the Friar and says, “Be not so long to speak; I long to die If what thou speakest speak not of remedy” (4.1.66-67). After speaking to Paris, a symbol of Juliet’s future and responsibility, she is frightened and will do anything to escape that future, as well as her current situation with Romeo. Like many characters, Juliet acts too hastily and fails to properly disclose her actions to her parents. Romeo is the polar opposite of Paris in this way because he encourages Juliet to disregard their responsibilities, especially those concerning the courtly love tradition. Juliet is drawn to Romeo and would also do anything “To live an unstained wife to my sweet love.” and ends up killing herself to be with Romeo “unstained” (4.1.88). Juliet commits suicide not because of her undying love for Romeo, but because she feels as though the situation is spiraling out of her control and she has to face repercussions if she comes out of the tomb alive. Juliet’s failure in being brave and accepting the responsibilities for her future. This ultimately allows Juliet to become irresponsible, leading to her untimely