Romeo And Juliet's Mistakes

956 Words2 Pages

"The blame for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet ultimately rests with Friar Laurence." Do you agree?

Blame for the tragic outcome in this tale does not rest with one person alone. Friar Laurence’s mistakes complicate the issue and he is partially at fault for the deaths of the two lovers. Romeo and Juliet’s decision to act upon their love too quickly is also a significant factor in their tragic ends. Juliet’s parents contribute because they made the lives of the teenagers very difficult and pushed her to make impulsive decisions.

Friar Laurence played a significant role leading to the death of Romeo and Juliet. He believed that marrying the couple would solve the feud between the two houses; “In one respect I’ll assistant be: For this alliance …show more content…

They chose to marry less than 24 hours after they met : (Romeo) “Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight! For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night.” Love at first sight doesn't imply weddings at first sight. Marriage for most people is a life long commitment requiring long and careful consideration. Keeping their love a secret was a major factor in the outcome of this affair. Confession may have led to banishment for both parties and ultimately a good outcome as they could live happily together. This would have also prevented Juliet’s parents from making her marry Count Paris, and avoid them thinking she was ungrateful: (Lord Capulet) “Doth she not count her blest, Unworthy as she is, that we have wrought so worthy of a gentleman to be her bride?” Friar Laurence may be blamed for his plan, but fundamentally it was Juliet’s choice to accept the idea of the sleeping potion and she went to the Friar for help. It is difficult for blame to be placed on others when it was Romeo and Juliet’s decision to take their own lives. Romeo’s quick action to kill himself with poison and Juliet’s death by Romeo’s dagger, were typical of their impulsive behaviours; “(Romeo) O true apothecary! Thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die,” “ (Juliet) O happy dagger! This is thy sheath; there rust, and let me

Open Document