Romeo's Flaws Essay

Romeo & his flaws
The actions and flaws behind characters had a large effect on the outcome of Romeo and Juliet. It’s known to be a tragedy that occurred solely because of fate, however Romeo’s impulsive behavior was also a leading cause. Romeo acts hastily and rarely considers the consequences of his actions. His mistakes led to several complications that could’ve been prevented if he took the time to think before he did something regrettable.
Romeo repeatedly made rash decisions that could’ve led to his death. After his abrupt change of mind between loving Rosaline and Juliet, Romeo dashed for the Capulet grounds to find Juliet. Romeo stood clueless to the amount of danger he’d just put his life in until Juliet stated, “If they do see thee

they will murder thee” (2.2.70). Even so, Romeo remained calm and disregarded his risk-taking behavior. Through eavesdropping, he overheard Juliet callout, “Romeo!...be but sworn my love” (2.2.33,35), and this assured Romeo that she returned his newfound love. Moments later, Romeo promised to marry Juliet despite the fact that they’d only just met and belong to feuding families. He’s a young man who only lives in the moment without thinking through his actions or promises. If Romeo moved at a slower pace, several future events may not have occurred such as the predicament Juliet faced when Capulet demanded her to marry Paris.
Following Romeo and Juliet’s wedding, Romeo crossed Tybalt in the city, where Tybalt demanded for a duel.

However, Romeo’s declination resulted in Mercutio’s unforeseen death. Consequently, without hesitation or remorse, Romeo battles against Tybalt, leaving Tybalt slain. Romeo’s actions left him with two miserable consequences; one being the loss of his good reputation. At the beginning of the play, Capulet reveals his impression on Romeo by saying “he bears him like a portly gentleman and… Verona brags of him to be a virtuous and well-governed youth” (1.2.64-65). Just hours before the incident, the Nurse also thought highly of him when she told Juliet that Romeo’s “...an honest gentleman, and a courteous, and a kind, and a handsome, and virtuous [man]” (2.5.54-56). In addition to losing his good reputation, the Prince also ordered banishment upon Romeo. If Romeo didn’t act off of impulse, he would’ve avoided these tough

situations.
Several scenes later Romeo was struck with horrifying news.

He was informed of Juliet’s “death” and responded with a rash decision. Romeo immediately bought a “dram of poison, such soon-speeding gear as will disperse itself through all the veins” (5.1.60-61). Even though the poor apothecary tried to warn Romeo, he still went through with his original plan. Romeo was anxious to die with Juliet as soon as he could, but when he arrived at the churchyard, he came across Paris. The encounter resulted in the murder of Paris because Romeo was overwhelmed by the situation he was in and was acting on impulse. Minutes before the Friar arrived, Romeo drank the poison and died beside Juliet. If he paused to think twice about what he was about to do, he’d still be alive. As a result, the death of Romeo additionally led to the deaths of Juliet and Lady Montague. It was a grievous day full of sorrow and regret, yet it was all caused by one man;

Romeo.
Romeo’s hasty actions not only led to tragedies for himself, but the entire city. His impulsive behavior was a leading cause for the dreadful ending for he acted without thinking, causing many complications. Romeo’s actions led to the death of four people, two of which he killed directly. If he took the time to consider his options, many deaths would’ve been prevented along with several heartbroken families.