Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare

975 Words2 Pages

The wise woman, Margaret Mead, who was a distinguished anthropologist, once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.” A group of citizens in Verona sought to change the world of two star-crossed lovers. In spite of trying to improve their situation, Friar Laurence, Balthasar, Paris, Benvolio and Mercutio only lead Romeo and Juliet into tragedy. These characters always think they are helping, but they end up leading Romeo and Juliet to their deaths. Friar Laurence, Balthasar, Paris, Benvolio and Mercutio all played a trusted role either as a friend, lover or religious leader in Romeo’s and Juliet’s lives. However, despite their best intentions tragedy befalls Romeo and Juliet.

Benvolio and Mercutio are Romeo’s good friends. They have been with Romeo when he is at his best and worst. At the start of the play, Romeo is very depressed. He is devastated that the girl he loves, Rosaline, doesn’t love him back. The young men learn of a party, from an illiterate servant, Peter, that will be held by the Capulets. Benvolio and Romeo walk in just after Peter receives the guest list. It was destiny that the men found out about the party. Benvolio is trying to rescue Romeo from unrequited love by saying that at the party he’ll meet much greater girls than Rosaline:

Sups the fair Rosaline whom thou so lovest,

With all the admired beauties of Verona.

Go thither; and, with unattainted eye,

Compare her face with some that I show,

And I make thee think thy swan a crow (Rom. 1.2.83-87)

Technically, Benvolio and Romeo are not invited, but they attend anyway. Benvolio and Mercutio pressure Romeo to attend in spite of his feelings of p...

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...people affect each other. The characters were all driven by good intentions, but their actions when joined together lead to tragedy. People must be careful what they do, since everyone’s lives’ are interconnected. The characters didn’t keep this in mind and lead many lives to death. Benvolio and Mercutio were very committed to cheering up their depressed friend. Friar Laurence was committed to ending the ancient feud in Verona. Paris was simply committed to spending the rest of his life with his love, Juliet. Balthasar thoughtfully went to tell his friend, Romeo about Juliet’s death.

Margaret Mead is correct, even a group of only five citizens can change the world for so many people. Society must be careful that their actions change their world for the better. This group of five, tried to make their world of Verona better, but ended up doing the opposite.

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