Who Is To Blame For The Death Of Romeo And Juliet

Caden Szeto Ms. Caniglia Pre-AP Freshman English 18 April 2024 The Familial Catalyst of Romeo and Juliet’s Tragic Demise In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the question of who is responsible for the star-crossed lover’s tragic ending is woven through the confusing web of misunderstandings and conflicting expectations and views. Friar Laurence, a priest that marries the lovers and helps with Juliet’s plan, Romeo and Juliet, the two lovers and protagonists, and the two families of Romeo and Juliet, Montagues, and Capulets, are all somewhat to blame for the death of the lover. Despite this, many ponder if the lovers should be at fault as they are the ones that commit suicide. Although the families do not directly involve themselves in the death

When Romeo is banished and Lady Capulet is talking to Juliet, Lady Capulet states, “That same villain Romeo”(3.5.85). Lady Capulet demonstrates how she would never accept Romeo as her son in law, as she believes him to be a villain.When Lady Capulet says this to Juliet, it shows the deep rooted hate that the Capulet family has for the Montague family thus exemplifying the tension that the families caused both Romeo and Juliet, catalyzing their deaths. Additionally, when Juliet rejects the idea of marrying Paris, the infuriated Lord Capulet states, “I tell thee what: get thee to church o’ Thursday,/Or never after look me in the face”(3.5.167-168). This underscores the family’s rigid adherence to societal norms, which makes it hard for the acceptance of Romeo and Juliet’s love. The anger and frustration shown through Lord Capulet puts pressure on Juliet to never reveal her true feelings for Romeo to her father, distancing herself from her family, and ultimately amplifying the tension that culminates in both her and Romeo’s death. This illustrates the point of how Romeo and Juliet’s relationship would never be endorsed by their families, as it goes against societal