The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet
The tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, a play that contains much controversy
around the issue ‘who is to blame for the deaths?’ In this world we
are always so willing to place the blame with one person but in this
play, when you look deeper into the language and meanings, it becomes
clear that there are a variety of people, and indeed things, that can
be blamed. In this essay I be will reporting on each person or thing
that has affected the tragedy.
Romeo and Juliet themselves are often blamed for their deaths. They
are physically responsible, as they themselves both committed suicide.
It was Romeo’s fault as he purchased the poison, which he drank to
die, and Juliet’s fault as she stabbed herself. However, away from the
physical factors there are many views as to why the couple felt they
had no other way to be together. Being young, headstrong and
passionate the couple appeared to be emotionally attached and in love.
This is one influence in their downfall. Had they never fallen in
love, the deaths would not have occurred. After all, the play does
take place over a five day period and in that time they meet, fall in
love, get married, get separated and commit suicide. We know that they
were impulsive, due to the hastiness of their marriage: ‘If that thy
bent of love be honourable, Thy purpose marriage, send me word
tomorrow’. Bearing in mind that this quote is taken from their second
meeting it is clear to see that they were rash. Juliet is unaware of
Romeo’s uncertainty in love but the audience know about his earlier
obsession with Rosaline. This suggests that Juliet is foolish as she
rushes into the relationship without getting to know him properly, but
also indicates her naivety and youth. It is also a good demonstration
of how Romeo is both hasty and unpredictable in love.
Another example of when Romeo is rash is when he kills Tybalt because
Tybalt slayed Mercutio. ‘O, I am fortunes fool’, can be looked at in
