Taking Responsibility for the Tragedy in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

Taking Responsibility for the Tragedy in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

'Romeo and Juliet' is one of the most famous plays written by William

Shakespeare, it is set in Verona, Italy. At the time it was common for

parents to arrange their daughter's marriage it was very unusual for

the daughter to argue or refuse the marriage. In the play a young

couple unfortunately fell passionately in love with each other, the

end result was tragic as it resulted in the death of Romeo Montague

and Juliet Capulet. They belonged to families who were bitter enemies.

Who is responsible for their deaths? It is very easy to come to a

conclusion and blame the parents, but every character needs to be

considered before making a decision.

Benvolio is a great friend to Romeo. Throughout the play Shakespeare

gives him the role as a peacemaker, who is always honest and reliable,

but there is a hint of weakness, early in the play because he

persuades Romeo to gatecrash the Capulet Ball, even though he has the

best interests of Romeo at heart, it is were he meets Juliet which is

fate working against them.

The role of peacemaker is reflected in the type of language Benvolio

uses, not fiery like Tybalt or as eloquent as the Friar, but he is

well spoken and uses his language to great effect because he tries to

look for the positives in every situation and is very diplomatic. He

is persuasive and clearly indicates to Mercutio that trouble will soon

appear 'I pray thee, good Mercutio, let's retire;

The day is hot, the Capels are abroad.'

This shows that he knows Mercutio very well and has his best interests

at heart he is also very sensible. So coul...

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...nvolved and allowed this

childish feud to strive and live on. Their contribution to their

children's well being was the worst thing they could have done; the

Capulets deserve more blame than the Montagues. They drove Juliet away

into Romeo's arms, as they forced her into marrying Paris, instead of

giving her a choice, they said she has no other options. Lord Capulet

is a very violent man and hits his daughter which, whereas Lady

Capulet isn't violent, but doesn't know her daughter very well and

isn't perceptive of her feelings. The Montagues, carry on the feud to

and don't look as if they care about Romeo's welfare. The parents

don't fill their roles efficiently and could have shown more love

towards Juliet than they did.

What do you think? Who do you perceive to be responsible for the

deaths of Romeo and Juliet?