The Tragedy in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

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Romeo and Juliet - The Tragedy

The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet is a play written by the well-known author, William Shakespeare. The setting of the play is the 1400's in Verona, Italy. This is a play based on two families who have had an ancient grudge for many years, and their children who fall in love. What makes the story of Romeo and Juliet such a tragedy are the various decisions made by the characters of the play such as Romeo. Romeo made many decisions, some good, some bad; his decisions have a great effect towards other characters in the play and the outcome of the events in this dramatic play.

Many of Romeo's decisions have had a good effect on the play. "I'll go along, no such sight to be shown, but to rejoice in splendor of mine own"(1.2.102-103). His decision to take the servants offer and go to the Capulet's gathering to see Rosaline is one of some of the good decisions Romeo makes throughout the play. If Romeo hadn't gone to the Capulet's gathering, he would have never met Juliet, "the charm of looks"(2.1.6). If this event hadn't happened, then Romeo would have never leapt over the orchard wall to see Juliet and make the promise of marrying her. Romeo's decision to use Friar's organized plan and escape to Mantua and await the Friar's message of news from Verona, and when and where he will meet his tender Juliet, is good decision in a way. Friar Lawrence's plan would have worked if Friar John hadn't been sealed in a house where health officers suspected the plague, the Black Death which was suspected to be spreading at the time had infected people. Romeo's very last decision to commit suicide was a very courageous decision, yet many people would think it a foolish decision. It is a good decision because of the outcome of this event. If Romeo hadn't killed himself, then Juliet wouldn't have killed herself, but because he did, it brought the two families, which had an ancient feud for many generations, peace and harmony. The families agree to no more chaos, no more brawls; because of their selfishness, the children they cherished, are now perished.

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