Romeo and Juliet essay about who is to blame for the tradgic occurrences in the play.

Essay by Crimson_ShadowHigh School, 11th gradeA+, May 2002

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William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" is a story of a series of occurrences which ultimately result in the tragic deaths of many. These tragic occurrences can not be blamed on any one person or happening, but instead on a number of actions, which when combined, led to the disastrous events which were to follow. The Feud between Romeo and Juliet's family, the secrecy, which resulted because of it and the fighting between the two families are all responsible.

Although there is not one single event which is soley responsible for all the terrible incidents, the ancient grudge between the Capulet and Montague families played a very large role in causing this new hostility, which " From ancient grudge (broke) to new mutiny" (Prologue, Chorus, L3). Almost everything which happened can be related back in some way to this event. It was this feud, which in the first place caused Romeo and Juliet to wed in secret, with only Juliet's nurse and the Friar Laurence knowing and more importantly without their parent's consent.

Romeo and Juliet were forced to hide their love as Romeo was a Montague and Juliet a Capulet and they were afraid of what their parent's reaction would be.

This feud was also the reason for the fight between Tybalt (a Capulet), Mercutio (Romeo's friend) and Romeo (a Montague). For years there had been great hatred and rivalry between the two families who at every opportunity, fought each other. Now however, Romeo was reluctant to fight Tybalt (for he was Juliet's cousin) and Mercutio fought him instead to honour the Montague name. Mercutio lost this fight and was killed by Tybalt. An enraged Romeo, however, avenged his friend's death by killing Tybalt. These two deaths were significant in what was to happen, as this fight...