Haste Sacrifice In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

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Often times, many believe that the future is beyond their direct control. However, it is human nature to seek reason in past events, whether they cause happiness or pain. The “why” often harasses a person’s mind, especially when tragedy occurs. This being said, individuals search for a concrete reason that explains the occurrence of death, sadness, and pain. Although many personal actions affect the future outcome of an event, how the actions are carried out play the major role. Regarding this, William Shakespeare, a classic playwright, utilizes literature to communicate the main cause of disaster. For example, in Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, the characters of Romeo, Friar Lawrence, and Lord Capulet demonstrate that haste is most responsible …show more content…

In greater detail, when Juliet desperately visits Friar Lawrence in his cell, he immediately advises, “Tomorrow night [...] take thou this vial [...] No warmth, no [breath] shall testify thou livest. [...] Thou [shalt] be born to that same ancient vault/Where all the kindred of the Capulets lie [...] Romeo by my letters shall know are drift [...] [giving Juliet the vial]” (4.1.93-124). Basically on impulse, Friar Lawrence directs Juliet to take a potion, which will allow her to mimic death and flee an arranged marriage. Continuing this, he explains that after Juliet’s parents place her in the family tomb, she will be able to escape with Romeo (her husband). However, Romeo never receives a letter notifying him of Friar Lawrence’s plan. With this in mind, Romeo finds Juliet and thinks she is dead; from heartache he kills himself. This tragedy was the outcome of Friar Lawrence’s plan, which he hastily puts together the moment Juliet explains her predicament. Furthermore, if Friar Lawrence took the time to consider possible flaws and their consequence in his plan, Romeo would have never thought Juliet was dead. Nonetheless, haste prevents Friar Lawrence from analyzing his plan, which causes Romeo to commit suicide. Considering this, Friar Lawrence conveys that haste is the paramount cause of tragedy when he urgently advises

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