Romeo and Juliet is a play about love

Essay by redpanther372High School, 10th gradeB+, November 2014

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Romeo and Juliet - Essay

Romeo and Juliet is not only a play about love, but also tragedy. Through close analysis of Romeo and Juliet, we can see that the main contributing factors to the great tragedy that is their death are the selfishness between the two lovers, the family feud and the improper guidance by the adults.

The 2 lovers act selfish because of their ages. As 2 fourteen year olds, Romeo and Juliet are still classified as "kids" and haven't really had a chance to experience an adult life. This is why they act so selfishly with their love because they don't know what it means to be selfless and make sacrifices. At the balcony scene Juliet warns Romeo that he will be murdered if he is seen by anyone but he responds, "My life were better ended by their hate Than death prorogues, wanting of thy love" Romeo - pg 71.

He hasn't thought about the consequences to his death and how his family will feel losing him. This selfishness continues through Juliet when Romeo has been banished from Verona. When she visits Friar Lawrence to ask for some help she references her death multiple times. "If, in thy wisdom, thou canst give no help, Do thou but call my resolution wise, And with this knife I'll help it presently" Juliet - pg 143. By constant reference to their deaths, Romeo and Juliet act selfishly by saying they would rather be dead together than be alive apart. They don't think of the consequences that will arise from their departures and is the typical mentality of 2 teenagers. This selfishness leads to their deaths where the family feud is finally resolved.

The endless brawling between the Capulet's and Montague's assists the lovers in their suicide because they...