Romeo And Juliet Argumentative Essay

“O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” This quote is the epitome of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet; It shows Juliet’s desire to be with Romeo. Romeo and Juliet has always been taught in high school since the time that it was published in 1597, for it is relatable and the two main characters are the same age as their primary audience. However, Romeo and Juliet should be discontinued from the 9th grade curriculum. The play’s characters are often misunderstood by the students that are reading it, so why teach something if it is not accurate? Romeo and Juliet pose as the main example of what a couple should be, but the truth is that they are a very unrealistic couple. Romeo sets a bad example to the teenagers reading about him by promoting lustful desires and behaviors.

However, certain pieces of literature, like Romeo and Juliet, should always be taught in a way that everyone will interpret it in the same way. The tragedy Romeo and Juliet often goes misunderstood by the students who read it. A common misunderstanding is that Paris is forced upon Juliet when in reality, Lord Capulet wants the potential young couple to wait. “Paris tends to be seen as the guy that Juliet is having forced upon by her parents, but his conversation with Lord Capulet makes it clear that Capulet doesn’t want them to be married for at least two years.” (Tickle 10). This quote from Glen Tickle’s “You’re Reading Romeo and Juliet wrong. You’re Supposed to Hate Romeo” states that Lord Capulet would prefer for Paris and Juliet to wait another two or more years to get married. Another misconception of Romeo and Juliet is the reason that the play is considered a “tragedy”. “It’s a tragedy because of what happens to Juliet, not because their relationship doesn’t work out.” ( Tickle 1) . If a major piece of literature like Romeo and Juliet can not be taught correctly, then why is it still in the