Romeo and Juliet - characters responsible for their deaths.

Essay by pierrtJunior High, 9th gradeF, January 2004

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Romeo and Juliet

This essay will prove from my point of view, that three characters with their actions, decisions and timing were most responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet.

In my opinion, the character most responsible was Friar Lawrence, for he married Romeo and Juliet without their parents' consent, although he did offer them advice. "Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast." (Act II, sc III, lines 94-95). Next, he suggested that Juliet swallow the poison, which without a doubt, was a very impulsive decision. Furthermore, when he was in the tomb with Juliet, upset about Romeo's death, could have saved her life by staying with her and comforting her when she didn't want to leave. Instead he betrayed her by leaving. In the end, Friar Lawrence blamed himself and offered to sacrifice his life.

Romeo's impulsiveness played a key role and is shown when he quickly fell out of love with Rosaline and into love with Juliet, having decided to marry her after knowing her for less than a day.

Another case of impulse was due to misunderstanding and assumption, when he assumed that Juliet was dead. His only thought was to take his life, instead of finding out if she was still alive. Romeo was also vengeful and didn't think though or control his feelings as in the example when Tybalt killed Mercutio and Romeo ran after Tybalt to pay back. This bad decision led to Romeo being banned from Verona and started the miscommunication between Romeo and Juliet, which eventually led to their deaths.

Juliet, also responsible was very young, and didn't have the maturity to deal with love. Firstly, she was impulsive by hurrying Romeo into marriage. Secondly, she came to the Friar looking for help. "I long to die, if what...