The Contributors to the Death of Star Crossed Lovers: Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare

The Contributors to the Death of Star Crossed Lovers

The tragedy of Romeo and Juliet was one that could have easily been avoided. The play, Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare is the tragedy of two lovers from feuding families. The families have been feuding since ancient times, while the younger generation keeps the feud alive. Romeo, a Montague, and Juliet, a Capulet both love each other, but realize that fate is not on their side since they are from feuding families. Some characters contribute to the death of Juliet more than others. The actions of Lord Capulet, Tybalt, and Friar Laurence cumulatively lead to Juliet’s death.

Many believe that Lord Capulet cannot be put at fault for Juliet’s death since he is doing everything for Juliet; however, his actions constitute that he should be held responsible for Juliet’s tragic demise. Lord Capulet clearly cares for Juliet since he wants her to get married to Count Paris because he thinks she is overcome by grief, which shows that he is a caring parent and would not want her to die. One reason to blame his is when Juliet disagrees with her father about marrying Count Paris, he threatens to disown her from the family. He states, “I tell thee what- get thee to church a Thursday/ Or never after look me in the face” (III.iv.161-162) Lord Capulet really does not care about Juliet’s feelings since he is threatening to disown her. Juliet’s feelings are clearly hurt by this and she feels betrayed that her father would do such a thing. Her feeling of betrayal leads her into seeking out help to the only person who she thinks could help, Friar Laurence. Another reason Juliet’s father can be put at fault is when Juliet finally “agrees” to marry Paris, Lord Capulet decides to bring the ...

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...could end the feud between the Capulets and Montagues. Unfortunately, Friar Laurence’s decision was not a good one since the marriage ultimately leads to Juliet’s death. Friar Laurence’s secrecy, bad judgment, insight, and lack of communication are major flaws in his character which led to the death of the two star crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet.

Lord Capulet, Tybalt, and Friar Laurence’s actions contribute to Juliet’s ultimate demise. Lord Capulet may seem like a good dad, but his internal motives are not on Juliet’s side. Tybalt’s hotheadedness and thirst for vengeance leads to a chain of events which ultimately end the lives of Romeo and Juliet while Friar Laurence’s bad judgment and insightfulness contributed to the two lovers’ downfall. If these three people had made even the slightest changes in their character, the tragedy could have been avoided.