Romeo&Juliet

Essay by twinie2High School, 10th gradeB+, August 2014

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Romeo and Juliet Essay: What are the factors that lead to the death of Romeo and Juliet?

Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet" ends with the tragic deaths of the two young lovers. There are several factors which lead to their deaths. Some of these include Romeo's over hasty response, the risky nature of the Friar's plan and the ongoing feud which forced the lovers into secrecy.

Firstly, one factor that leads to the death of Romeo and Juliet was Romeo's over hasty response to the news of Juliet's supposed "death". When Romeo is told of Juliet's death, he is immediately overcome with grief as any husband or lover would, however Romeo's specific reaction is somewhat extreme as he only desires death to be with her once again. Although this act of love can be seen as passionate and loving, it is quite a severe conclusion to come to.

When Balthasar tells Romeo of Juliet's death, he states "Well Juliet I will lie with thee tonight," meaning that he is determined to be with her once again. Another example of Romeo's hasty response to Juliet's death is when he says "is it e'en so? Then I defy you stars!" This quote is a rhetorical question and emphasises Romeo's drastic and hasty approach to Juliet's death. The effect of this quote has is that it forces the audience to empathise Romeo, and understand his thoughts and feelings. When Romeo says this, he means he is challenging or rebelling against fate, destiny or what is written in the stars. Therefore, Romeo's hasty thinking contributed to the death of both Romeo and Juliet.

Secondly, the risky nature of the Friar's plan was another factor which led to the death of the two lovers'. Friar Lawrence was supposed to have notified...