Who was to blame for the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet?

Essay by MancyHigh School, 11th grade June 2004

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Blame for the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet can be pointed in several different directions. Not only characters were accountable for the calamity. Three main non-human contributors to the tragedy were fate, impulsiveness, and time. Fate played a part in Romeo's banishment from Mantua. His absence from the scene set a clear path for Paris to pursue his love interest. Romeo's impulsive behaviour guided him to make the decision to end his life after hearing the news of Juliet's death. Time was sped up when Old Capulet decided to bring Juliet's wedding forward a day. All these points were main contributors towards the tragedy in Romeo and Juliet.

Many of the misfortunes that occur during the play are blamed on fate, chance, coincidence, and luck. The lovers may not have met if it was not for coincidence. An illiterate servant stumbled upon Romeo asking him to read an invitation. "What names the writing person hath here writ.

. .I must to the learned" (Iii 42-43). Luckily enough it happened to be an invitation to the Capulet ball. This brought forward the quick dismissal of Rosaline, Romeo's past love interest, and the introduction of Juliet, the "rich jewel" (Iv 45). Romeo's presence at the ball brought up conflict with Tybalt, who quickly recognised him as the enemy. His pride was wounded when his uncle told him that Romeo "shall be endur'd!" (Iv 76). This provoked a duel between the two. "I hate hell, all Montagues and thee" (Ii 65). It was only by chance Mercutio was killed under Romeo's arm. Tybalt had intended to kill Romeo. Romeo didn't want to fight Tybalt as they were now cousins. "(I) love thee better than thou canst devise" (IIIi 66). Mercutio blamed Romeo for coming between them. "Why the dev'l came you between us"...