Who Was Responsible For The Downfall Of Romeo And Juliet

Mark Twain once said,“ There is a charm about the forbidden that makes it unspeakably desirable". The most famous Shakespearean play “Romeo and Juliet” includes several tragedies and lessons about the danger of addictive affection. 2 enemy families are joined together after the deaths of their loved ones due to their horrendous decisions. Romeo is most to blame for the tragic ending of the star-struck lovers due to Romeo making the rash decision to kill Tybalt and his strong passion for others that he is close to.

One of Romeo’s fatal traits is his strong passion for others starting with Rosaline. To start with, Romeo made the reckless decision to sneak into the ball for Rosaline until he lays eyes on Juliet. “Oh, she doth teach the torches

As Romeo makes his way into the crowd of people, he spots Juliet’s beauty and creates an obsession over her completely forgetting about Rosaline. He knows nothing of Juliet but his devotion to love her forever causes great chaos. Suddenly, Romeo commits the catholic sin of killing himself for his Juliet. “O true apothecary, Thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die.”(Act 5, Scene 1, 90) Romeo immediately makes the impulsive decision to end his life because his only thought is Juliet. Romeo decides to act only upon emotion and deep affection leading to their untimely death. On the other hand, others may say that Mercutio is at fault because he convinced Romeo to go to the party even though Romeo had doubts about it. Before they go to the party, Romeo expresses his worries and sadness about it. “Not I, believe me. You have dancing shoes With nimble soles. I have a soul of lead So stakes me to the ground I cannot move. [Mercutio:]You are a lover. Borrow Cupid’s wings And soar with them above a common bound.”(Act 1, Scene 4, 14-18). Therefore, Mercutio is actually the one to blame for their deaths. Even though Mercutio tried

Mercutio is asking Romeo why he did what he did. “Why the devil came you between us? I was hurt under your arm.”(Act 3, Scene 1, 100). Mercutio is angry because Romeo stepped into the fight forcing Tybalt to stab him. Romeo made this rash decision even though he knew matters could get worse by his stepping into the battle. After Romeo is dead, he runs in frustration after Tybalt.“Alive in triumph—and Mercutio slain! Away to heaven, respective lenity, And fire-eyed fury be my conduct now. Now, Tybalt, take the “villain” back again That late thou gavest me, for Mercutio’s soul Is but a little way above our heads, Staying for thine to keep him company. Either thou or I, or both, must go with him.”(Act 3, Scene 1, 123-130). Romeo knew the consequence of getting in a fight with the enemy family but was too blind with rage. He slayed Tybalt meaning Romeo would get killed by the prince, Romeo didn’t think it through that Tybalt would get killed by the prince if he left it alone but his impulsive reactions made him get exiled. However, Tybalt is also at fault for their deaths because he didn’t listen to Romeo explain that they are now family. Before Mercutio’s fight with Tybalt, Romeo tries to talk Tybalt out of the whole situation. “Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries That thou hast done me. Therefore turn and draw. I do protest I never injured thee But love thee