What Is The Theme Of Motive In Romeo And Juliet

Any Last Words? Act 5, Scene 3 of William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, is a pivotal scene in the story as it ultimately concludes the play. In lines 95-120, Romeo gives a passionate speech just before he ends his own life. The speech is a reflection on his motivation for his actions leading up to that point in the scene. Romeo’s motivation in this speech is formed by factors such as his love for Juliet, his craving for revenge, and his sense of honor. At the beginning of this scene, Romeo arrives at the Capulet tomb to find Juliet seemingly lifeless. The news of Juliet’s death was falsely reported to him in Mantua, so leading up to this he had no idea of Friar Lawrence’s plan to sneak the seemingly dead Juliet out of the

The vendetta of Montagues and Capulets is a recurring theme throughout the play, and it has led to deaths on both sides of the feud. In a heated battle in Act 3, Scene 1, Romeo’s friend Mercutio was killed by Tybalt, and in retaliation and rage, Romeo killed Tybalt. This act of violence left Romeo feeling guilty, and wanting to make amends for his actions. In the play Romeo states: “O, I am fortune’s fool!”(3.1.142). This quote shows that he acknowledged that fate has made him a “fool” and that he has been punished for his actions. The decision to take his own life can be seen as an act of inflicting self pain, or a way to make amends for the vile act of violence he has

As can be seen as a constant theme in the play, honor is closely tied with the idea of reputation, and Romeo’s reputation has been tarnished with his involvement in the Montague and Capulet vendetta. His decision can be seen as a way to restore his reputation and honor. Romeo can be seen implying in the play that he cannot die a disgraced man and that death is the only way for him to regain his state of honor. “And here I stand, both to impeach and purge Myself condemned and myself excused” (5.3.235-236). In this quote, Romeo acknowledges that he has both impeached and purged, meaning accused and justified, himself through his actions but ultimately takes responsibility for his actions taking his own life in honor of his