Romeo And Juliet example essay topic

Is anyone actually responsible for the deaths of Romeo And Juliet? From the beginning we know that their going to die, the prologue tells us, "From forth the fatal Loins of them two foes" and it also says, "A pair of star-cross'd Lovers take their lives" The prologue is therefore telling the reader that other forces besides earthly ones are in control of our lover's lives. We know that Romeo is deeply interested in the heavens, to the point where they might well obsess him. there is various examples of this, "I fear, too early: for my mind misgives Some consequence yet hanging in the stars Shall bitterly begin his fearful date With this night's revels and expire the term" and "Will I set up my everlasting rest, And shake the yoke of inauspicious stars" Towards the end of the play Romeo is quite convinced that sooner or later something terrible will happen to him, which persuades him that it might be better that he delt the fatal act by his own hand. This gives us an indication that Romeo himself is probably the greatest single cause for their deaths. It is obvious that he is a romantic falling in and out of love. His actions are based on the spur of the moment decisions, rather than cool, logic.

For example; within 24 hours of falling in love with Juliet he is married to her. Because of the feud between their respective families Romeo would have undoughtly been in many fights. Which indicates another side to his personality; one, which has no fear. This is clearly shown after Tybalt kills Mercurio. Romeo instantly retaliates dishing out the same fatal punishment to Tybalt, which he does without stopping to think.

Another example of his impulsive nature is when, after hearing of Juliet's death he decides there and then to kill himself, by the acquisition of poison from a dodgy pharmacist. Maybe if Romeo hadn't been soo impatient, impulsive and fearless and thought more about the consequences of his actions, then maybe he wouldn't have got himself into soo much trouble, and alternately cause the death of four people including himself. Like most girls of Juliet's age, marriage is a very important part of their acceptance into adult society. This is even more so for girls who come from noble families. Further more girls were expected to marry men that their parents had chosen. Love marriages were rare.

The Capulets were no different. Even though she was just thirteen years old, Juliet's parents have already laid the ground out for her to marry Paris. With girls being brought up in a very disciplined and secure regime there were very few opportunities to meet boys. On falling in love with Romeo she must have been aware as to the consequence of her actions. She was, therefore either very stupid to flout her parents or extremely brave. We know that she did many brave things.

Besides the one just mentioned she also takes a sleeping potion, not knowing as to whether she will wake up or not. She also gets married in total secrecy. And subsequently goes on to commit suicide because she couldn't face life without her husband. If she had not been such a courage's and independently minded person and instead more timed and obedient to her parents wishes then Paris, would have been her future husband, and all would have been alive. The interactions of the other characters had no real significant part in the deaths of our two lovers.

Maybe we could well blame Benvolio fir persuading Romeo to go to the party. Or we could blame the doorman for not being able to check the party invitations. Even the holy Friar should have acted more responsible and gone out of his way to discourage the lovers from doing what they did. Could we even blame the dodgy pharmacist for selling something he shouldn't have. As for Juliet's nurse or more precise her nanny, her friend, her protector surly she was totally out of order in getting involved as a messenger. If she had acted professionally Juliet's parents would have been informed as to what was going on, allowing the necessary defensive measures to be put into place.

Although we are given that Tybalt is a troublemaker, he nevertheless only fights to defend the honour of the family. On his death he was deeply mourned by his family, however throughout the play there is no real indication that any of his actions lead to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, whilst he would have gladly killed the former. There is no questioning my mind that the two principle characters were actually responsible for their own deaths. As to whether this way was due to fate I remain unconvinced ironically the play was ahead of its time by highlighting an area of contention where marriages are decided by families rather then those who are to be married. It is a play well suited to cont empery times. Both Romeo and Juliet baulked the traditions and customs that were vogue in that time.

Without Juliet's parents blessing and hence permission of any marriage then tragedy would be inevitable.