Romeo And Juliet's Downfall

The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet
Multiple characters are to blame for the tragedy of the play, Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. Romeo displays his immaturity by liking girls solo based off their looks, Juliet falls for Romeo and his willingness and impatience. While Friar Lawrence know is is a sin, he has an idea to help them be together,
The tragic falls onto the responsibility of Romeo, Juliet, and Friar Lawrence. Romeo should not have asked Juliet to marry him so suddenly. “Th’ exchange of thy love’s faithful vow for mine.” (2.2.127). Left unsatisfied by Juliet, Romeo asks Juliet for her hand in marriage the day they met. Rushing back to Verona after hearing the news about Juliet’s death displays Romeo’s heedless behavior. “Wisely and slow. They stumble that run fast.” (2.3.94) was told to Romeo. Friar Lawrence advised Romeo to not make any hasty decisions he may regret later on. Romeo tends to solve his issues with violence and never thinks of

the effects its may have later on. “Either that or I, or both, must go with him.” (3.1 .119), Romeo tells Tybalt after killing Mercutio. After killing Tybalt, Romeo is exiled from Verona leading to a whole new set of issues.
Juliet fell for Romeo’s tactics and looks leading her to contribute to this tragedy.

Before meeting Romeo at the ball, marriage was not what she desired. “It is an honor that [Juliet dreams] not of.” (1.3.67). Lady Capulet, Lord Capulet, and Nurse are all in favor of her marrying Paris, yet she does not wish to. Romeo had manipulated Juliet into moving quicker and she did not wish to. “It is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden.” (2.2.118). Juliet knows this is not right, but continues with the marriage. Romeo and Juliet’s decision to keep their marriage a secret also contributed to the tragedy. Romeo sees Tybalt as family, but how is Tybalt supposed to see Romeo as family if he is not aware? “ But love thee better than you canst devise/ till thou shalt know the reason of my love.” (3.1.61 & 62). By not telling anyone, Tybalt is offended by this statement, leading to the death of Mercutio. Romeo and Juliet have blinded each other with their love and did not realize the effects they have on their

surroundings.
As well as Romeo and Juliet, Friar Lawrence should have known better than to let a Montague marry a Capulet. The reason for allowing it was “ To turn [the Montagues and the Capulets] households’ rancor to pure love.” (2.3.92). By marrying Romeo and Juliet. He believes it will end the fued between the Montagues and the Capulets which has lasted decades. Not to mention, Friar Lawrence gives Juliet the potion and only made matters worse. “ O day, O day, O day! O hateful day!” (4.5.52). Everyone believes Juliet is dead and calls for a funeral as well as cancels the wetting between Juliet and Paris. After all Friar Lawrence has done, he has the nerve to sorrow for the Capulets and the Montagues. “And here [Friar Lawrence stands], both to impeach and purge./[Himself] condemned and [himself] excused.” (5.3.226 & 227). Friar explains the whole situation and lets the Montagues and Capulets feel bad for him. His behavior adds onto the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet greatly.