Failure of Good Intentions to Produce Good Consequences in Romeo and Juliet

Dante Alighieri, an illustrious 13th century Italian poet, once said, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions" (72). Indeed, many examples throughout history, society, and literature serve to typify this axiom. William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is the quintessential example of this adage. The play demonstrates that good intentions can result in negative consequences. Romeo's designs, honorable as they are, lead to demise for both him and other characters. In addition, the Nurse's desire for Juliet's happiness unintentionally alienates Juliet. Finally, Friar Lawrence's union of Romeo and Juliet and Capulet's arranged marriage of Juliet and Paris exemplify that laudable objectives can lead to chagrin.

The theme that the best designs can go awry is evident in many societies throughout the ages. In Romeo and Juliet, the Nurse's actions exemplify this aphorism. She is cognizant of the draconian penalties that would befall the lovers if their forbidden love is uncovered. Because she loves Juliet and wants her to be happy, the Nurse decides to keep Romeo and Juliet's relationship a secret. By not informing Juliet's parents, the Nurse shows more fidelity to Juliet than to Lord and Lady Capulet. The Nurse’s assistance advances the lovers' relationship from an infatuation to a marriage, “I am the grudge, and toil in your delight;” (II. v. 75). Romeo and Juliet’s feelings for each other burgeon until the two become inseparable. Following Romeo's banishment and the announcement of Juliet and Paris's arranged marriage, Juliet seeks counsel from the Nurse as to what her next course of action should be. Benighted of the intensity of Juliet's feelings for Romeo, the Nurse tries to nullify Juliet's sadness by attempting to divert her...

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...Kirsten Beyer, the author of the Star Trek series, wrote, "'I believe that we must align our actions with our highest principles. No matter the outcome, we will not have failed if we act from our best intentions.' 'The road to hell is paved with good intentions, Captain,' Chakotay said with equal certainty. 'So is the road to peace,' Cambridge observed'" (goodreads.com). Though noble intentions sometimes result in ignoble consequences, the strive for goodness and righteousness must persist unfailingly.

Works Cited

Clements, Tom. How to Write a Killer SAT Essay in 25 Minutes or Less!. Moraga: Tom Clements, 2013. Print.

Faustino, Mara. Heaven and Hell: A Compulsively Readable Compendium of Myth, Legend, Wisdom and Wit for Saints and Sinners. New York: Grove/Atlantic Inc., 2004. Print.

"Quotes About Good Intentions." Goodreads. Goodreads Inc, 2014. Web. 7 May 2009.