Tragedy In Romeo And Juliet

The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet is the story of two teenagers whom Shakespeare refers to as “star-crossed lovers.” These two teens belong to families who feel great animosity toward one another. Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, along with many others, take their own lives or the lives of others by the end of the play. Prince Escalus explains to these adversary families that “[s]ome shall be pardoned, and some punished” (V iii 308). Without this family feuding, the deaths would not have occurred. Lord and Lady Capulet and Lord Montague should be held accountable for these tragedies. The Prince shows just how much trouble these families cause. He states, “…By thee, old Capulet, and Montague, / Have thrice disturbed the quiet of our streets”

The Capulets are hosting a great dinner for the couple to meet. While giving invitations, the illiterate servant asks Romeo to read him the invitation list and adds, “…if you not be of the house of / Montages, I pray come…” (I ii 81-82). When Romeo enters the Capulet mansion, Tybalt immediately threatens his life simply because he is a Montague. Juliet, who has never considered marriage, finds herself falling for a boy whom she has just met. Later that night, the Nurse informs Juliet that the boy she was kissing was a Montague. Juliet is shocked to find that she is not allowed to love this “loathed enemy.” Speaking to herself, Juliet justifies her love by claiming, “Tis but thy name that is my enemy. / Thou art thyself, though not a Montague” (II ii 38-39). Romeo and Juliet would’ve fallen in love no matter what their names are. Friar Lawrence marries the two the following day in his

Mercutio decides to duel Tybalt instead and is killed. Romeo avenges Mercutio’s death by killing Tybalt. The newlywed is now banished. Hearing this, Romeo’s mother grieves herself to death. Juliet hears of his trouble through the Nurse. Lady Capulet discusses this death with Juliet unaware that she is upset more by the banishment of her husband Romeo than the death of her cousin Tybalt. Her mother and father begin to discuss her marriage to Paris with her. They do not care about Juliet’s aversion to this wedding. After arguing, Lady Capulet tells her husband she would rather Juliet be dead. Lord Capulet retaliates by scolding Juliet, calling her worthless and “a curse.” He goes so far as to say, “…hang, beg, starve, die in the streets, / For, by my soul, I’ll ne’er acknowledge thee…” (III iv 194-195). After talking to her nurse, Juliet sees no one else would support her marriage to the