Who Was Responsible For The Deaths Of Romeo And Juliet Essay

Which three people were most responsible for Romeo and Juliet’s deaths?

‘Romeo and Juliet’ is one of Shakespeare’s most known tragedies, depicting a story of forbidden love between the heirs of feuding clans, Italy. Starting off as a myth in the old town of Verona, Shakespeare was able to base ‘Romeo and Juliet’ off the idea of ‘Star-crossed lovers’, first published in 1897. The play ends with Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet’s deaths as well as harmony between the two families because of it. No specific person was responsible but many characters contributed to their deaths. Lord and Lady Capulet’s actions and attitude lead to Juliet’s fake death and Romeo’s suicide. Secondary characters, Tybalt and Mercutio, were responsible for Romeo’s

They’re both loyal to their respective clans and act without thinking. In Mercutio’s case, he’s loyal to the Montagues and has an protective attitude towards Romeo. Tybalt is arrogant and prideful, also, loyal to the Capulet family. They encompass the hatred the two clans have for each other and incite tension, constantly using words and phrases to offend each other. In the play, The audience can then link back to the first scene wherein, Prince Escalus stated and foreshadows, “If ever you disturb our street again,/Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace.” (1.1.82-83) In this case, Mercutio was killed due to his impulsiveness and devotion to the Montagues by Tybalt whose hatred runs so deep that even the Prince’s words could not deter him. Romeo’s banishment is the key turning point in the play as it’s one of the main reasons for Juliet's sadness and fake death. If both Tybalt and Mercutio had listened to reason from Romeo and Prince Escalus, Romeo would not have been exiled and thus, neither he nor Juliet would have

Despite knowing that their relationship was frowned upon by society (forbidden), they continued to pursue it. This can be justified by their age and experience because Juliet was thirteen years old and Romeo was but seventeen. Their lamentable deaths could have been easily avoided if they denied each other. Romeo knew early in the play that falling in love with the rivaling family’s daughter would lead to misfortune and misery, he continued to seek Juliet. “The more is my unrest.” (1.5.120) When Juliet and Romeo first met, she did not know that he was a Montague, allowing her love for him to bloom. When she finds out, she says, “My only love … /Too early seen unknown, and known too late!” (1.5.138-141) At this point, the viewers know that Juliet had the chance to turn down Romeo but she did not for her own selfish reasons. Love itself is a selfish thing but there exist many types of love, in an example; fickle love and true love, but both can be overwhelming. Being overcome by their love, they married that very night, against Friar Lawrence’s warning. In the following day, Romeo, Benvolio, and Mercutio encounter Tybalt and his men in the streets of Verona. Tybalt kills Mercutio and to avenge him, Romeo slays Tybalt. Romeo acts, not thinking about his consequences in a state of rage, resulting in his banishment. Whilst Romeo is in exile, Juliet fakes her own death in an