Romeo And Juliet Teenage Behavior Essay

In William Shakespeare’s most well-known play, “The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet”, Shakespeare illustrates an emotional tragedy by using through the behaviors of Romeo and Juliet’s behavior. Doomed upon falling in from love at first sight, the lives of two teenage lovers were eventually lost. Modern studies suggest that teenage behavior can be explained by is created due to the dramatic changes the brain undergoes at the age of adolescence. Since decision- making is vital in the teenage years, more options and opportunities tend to lead to better choices.
Parental involvement is a positive factor in a teens life; however, too much involvement can be restrictive to the teenagers right to choose. When parents take away the right to choose, teenagers tend to “question the parents’ beliefs” as it helps them “develop a sense of identity.” (Dobbs) Juliet dismissed the idea of marrying Paris because her parents were telling her what to be interested in making her venture off to the complete opposite of what they wanted for her.

Furthermore, because they were controlling, Juliet gained a sense of identity by marrying Romeo. Juliet compares Romeo’s banishment to death as she says, “ ‘Banished.’ That one word ‘banished’ equals the death of ten thousand Tybalts.” (3.3.117-118) As Juliet expresses herself for her cousin’s death, she cries more for Romeo because she married into a new family. When parents force their children into things they don’t want they lose close bonds with their children.
Sleep deprivation can lead to careless decisions.

A recent study mentioned that “each hour of sleep was associated with a 38 percent increase in the odds of feeling sad and hopeless” (Rodriguez). Romeo did not deliberate his choices because he acted on impulses due to a lack of sleep. When a person is desperate they become vulnerable, allowing themselves to easily give in because they have less control of their feelings. Soon after Mercutio’s death Romeo sought revenge for Tybalt’s life as he says, “Mercutio’s soul is hovering just over our heads waiting for [Tybalt], or [Romeo] or both [who] will soon join him.” (3.1.119-120) Romeo wanted to feel relief due to the loss of his friend’s life leaving him defenseless because he was so emotionally distraught letting Tybalt live wasn’t an option he considered. The teenage brain suffers severely when hours of sleep are lost, leading the teenager to be less aware of all

options.
Negative influences can manipulate teens into life changing decisions. Friar Lawrence used manipulation to change the fate of many lives. He suggests to Juliet, “Thou hast the strength of will to slay thyself,/ Then it is likely thou will undertake/ A thing like death” (4.1.73-75) Juliet is persuaded if she fakes her death then all her problems will go away. She pursues the plan, being deceitful to her parents by faking her death and due to miscommunication allowing Romeo to believe it too. In this case, Romeo and Juliet only have the Friar as a guide. In recent studies “structured interactions with parents and other adults are crucial.” (Dobbs) If multiple adult interactions took place in the teenagers’ lives; for instance, if the parents were aware of the marriage leaving all hatred behind, then the two lovers may have been counseled through family relations. Adult role models in a teenager’s life are vital for better choices.
Without a doubt, no choice can be defined as right or wrong. Each decision made in a teenager’s life crafts individuality. Romeo and Juliet are two examples of how the teenage brain is underdeveloped. In other words, the two star-crossed lovers could have lived happily ever after if their parents were involved just enough, maybe if a few nights of sleep were replenished, or if they had the right role model to talk too. A teenager’s outcome is all based upon the choices he or she makes.