Who Is Responsible For The Tragedy In Romeo And Juliet

Who and/or what is responsible for the tragedy of Romeo and Juilet? Young people are influenced by the actions of adults who are a constant presence in the lives especially during their formative years. They mold and shape their views and play a large role in determining who they will become. Eventually, this can either lead to the desired outcome in terms of decisions the youth will take or, at times, disastrous results. Though well-intentioned, the effect of adult intervention can sometimes have quite the opposite effect in the lives of the youth. In “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet are two young lovers who rush and impulsively make unwise decisions in order to always be together. Their decisions are established

The enmity passed down through generation, envelops the city with hatred and violence is reflected in many important conflicts throughout the play. For example, while being filled with disgust and anger after Tybalt sees Romeo at the Capulet party, he states: “I will withdraw, but this intrusion shall,/ Now seeming sweet, convert to bitt’rest gall” (1.5.90-91). This reveals the hatred spread through Verona between the two families as Tybalt mentions of how he seeks the worst outcome for Romeo. As a result of the feud, Tybalt’s anger leads to Romeo killing him and being banished, resulting in the two lovers being separated and eventually leading to tragedy. Also, Juliet’s parents want the socially accepted norm for her which is an arranged marriage for her at a young age. When Lord Capulet is arguing with Juliet, he furiously says: “I tell thee what: get thee to church a’ Thursday,/ Or never after look me in the face” (3.5.161-162). Even though it is normal for arranged marriage during the Elizabethan era, it is shown here that the Capulets actions greatly interferes and disrupts the plans and decisions of Juliet as she is being forced in marrying someone she does not desire and cannot be with Romeo again. These “good intentions” are shown to be very ineffective and unhelpful for Juliet as it leads

He first makes the hasty decision of enforcing a law, of whose consequences he is unaware. At the beginning of the play after a battle between the families, he says: “If ever you disturb our streets again,/ Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace” (1.1.90-91). It is shown how immediately after seeing the horrible battle, he makes an unwise decision of establishing a law which does not aid in ending the feud. Instead, his law results in more deaths and more specifically causes Romeo to get banished and separates the two lovers. On the other hand, the Prince is neglectful regarding the whole conflict as he rarely takes action to resolve it or seek peaceful resolution. At the end of the play after discovering the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, he states: “And I for winking at your discords too/ Have lost a brace of kinsmen. All are punsh’d” (5.3.294-295). He states here that he should be punished as well, as his eyes were “closed” the whole time, referring to his careless and neglectful behaviour regarding the feud. In conclusion, the actions and behaviour of the Prince was a significant adult influence as he reacted very rashly to the feud and did provide the necessary safety and support to his