The Impulsive Behavior In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

The tale of two star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, begins with a prologue that reveals the fate of these young adults. Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet sacrifice deeply to maintain their overwhelming, newfound love. However, the challenges associated with their marriage and with each other take Romeo and Juliet by surprise. Romeo and Juliet’s families have been rivals who fought for decades. As complications arise after the marriage of Romeo and Juliet, they must test the strength of their love and their selves. The abrupt behavior that Romeo possesses has a major impact on the events leading up to their death. Juliet only reacts the way she does due to her love for Romeo. As a result, Romeo’s impulsiveness leads to his and Juliet’s demise.

Romeo and Juliet discuss their love: “Th’ exchange of thy love’s faithful vow for mine?/ I gave thee mine before thou didst request it/ And yet, I would it were to give again” (Shakespeare 2.2.135-137). Romeo and Juliet are so hopelessly in love that their family feud is insignificant, if but a minor set back. Romeo declares he would happily change his last name if that means he can be with the girl he loves, whom he had just met that night. In the spur of the moment, he decides to propose, marking their love and making it official. This impulsive behavior leads to problems as the tale of two lovers progresses. The show, The Flash, portrays a similar trait that leads to the main character’s demise. Based on another source, “One of Barry's most troubling traits is rushing into things haphazardly. Once again that leads to problems, which the Reverse Flash giddily enjoys pointing out” (Terrones 1). In The Flash, while Barry Allen battles with the Reverse Flash he acts without thinking which leads to many unnecessary deaths and complications. One of Barry’s most impulsive decisions includes proposing to Iris out of fear. This choice causes Iris to become a target, putting the team at risk. Proposing to Juliet is an example of how Romeo acts without thinking and rationalizing the

During an intense fight, the men rile each other up: “Thou wretched boy that didst consort him here/ Shalt with him hence!/ This shall determine that!/ [They fight, Romeo kills Tybalt]/ Romeo, away, be gone!” (3.1.136-139). Romeo allows his hatred and rage overcome his peaceful nature, being the cause of his wife’s cousin’s death. Due to the rivalry between the Montagues and the Capulets, the Prince declares whoever fights or kills will suffer the consequences. This leads Romeo to his banishment from Verona. To further explain, “Shakespeare transcends his source by developing Romeo’s stature as a tragic protagonist as Romeo chooses here to decry his love for Juliet as an effeminate force, rendering him a ‘weaker vessel’ (1.1.14-15) and consequently he embraces the macho ethic of Tybalt’s revenge code” (Holmer 15). As a way to prove his love for Juliet, Romeo allows Tybalt to brag and tease Mercutio and Romeo. Mercutio, however, acts irrationally and attacks Tybalt, resulting in his death. Riled up with rage and anger, Romeo kills Tybalt, disposing of the “nice guy” act. This showdown between the men displays how Romeo cannot control his emotions and acts without taking the time to