Death in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

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Death in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

The story of Romeo and Juliet, two star crossed lovers whose forbidden

love caused their deaths but who was to blame? All the characters and

events through the miscalculations and timings of circumstances

determined the tragic fate of these lovers. Throughout the essay all

possibilities will be explored, and whether things could be different

if their love was just accepted. This love story between Romeo and

Juliet, that ended in death, was the result of all the characters,

everyone was to blame for these tragic circumstances. There was a

chain reaction of all the events that lead to the deaths of Romeo and

Juliet: If Romeo hadn't gone to the party, if Paris hadn't asked to

marry Juliet, if Capulet hadn't accepted. If one certain thing hadn't

happened in the play then the story may have had a happier ending.

Throughout Romeo and Juliet Shakespeare uses a variety of techniques.

For example language features are used. Imagery is widely used

throughout. Stagecraft is also an important feature in Romeo and

Juliet; certain scenes are used to brake up the tragedy.

Paris is one of the first characters to affect the fate of Romeo and

Juliet. In act 1 scene 2 Paris questions Capulet for the hand of

Juliet in marriage. "But now my lord, what say you to my suit?"

Capulet doesn't refuse but states he feels she is to young; Paris is

to blame because he wants to marry Juliet. In later events in act 3

scene 5 when Capulet accepts Paris' proposal and tells Juliet, which

leads her to Friar Laurence to ask for help for a way out of the

situation because she is married to Romeo by this time.

Friar Laurence, the good Priest and friend to Romeo, is also to blame

because he chooses to marry Romeo and Juliet. Though he knew that this

relationship was between two members of feuding families he thought,

perhaps, this could bring the families together. " For this alliance

may so happy prove, turn two households' rancour to pure love.

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