Examples Of Impulsive Decisions In Romeo And Juliet

“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” Dr. Seuss once said. This statement can be used to examine not only modern literature, but also literature of the past. More importantly, it can be applied to the Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, one of the most well known pieces of writing regarding love, to determine its purpose. Moreover, it can also show whether Shakespeare was successful in achieving this purpose. An examination of Romeo and Juliet reveals that Shakespeare’s purpose was to warn readers about impulsive decisions, warn others about the dangers of blind love, and to also show readers to appreciate love in their life, specifically love received from family and friends.

Throughout the narrative, characters continue to make impulsive decisions, which leads to their demise. For example, Romeo and Juliet’s decision to marry each other was quite impulsive. “Thy purpose marriage, send me word tomorrow...Where and what time thou wilt perform the rite…” (II.ii.144-146). In this scene, Romeo is leaving Juliet after just meeting in secret, and they are already planning their marriage. The thought of their individual responsibilities, families, or consequences never even crosses their minds. This moment is of significance as many problems stem from here. Shakespeare is demonstrating that if the couple had not impulsively rushed into marriage without any thought of the future, they might have had a greater chance of happiness together. Another example of Shakespeare demonstrating impulsiveness is when Romeo kills Tybalt. “Tybalt here slain, whom Romeo’s hand did slay...Of Tybalt deaf to peace, but still he that tilts, with piercing steel at bold Mercutio’s breast.” (III.i.148,154-155). In a fit of anger, Romeo kills Tybalt for killing Mercutio and is consequently banished from Verona. However, if Romeo had been thinking he would have realized that Tybalt would have been executed for the murder of Mercutio. Therefore, he would not have been banished and could have lived a longer life with Juliet. This is crucial

The main characters of this play continue to disregard and distrust their family members and friends by keeping secrets from them. This occurs when Romeo keeps his relationship with Juliet a secret from his cousins. “And so good Capulet - which name I tender as dearly as my own - be satisfied” (III.i.67-68). Romeo states that he loves the Capulet name like his own because he married Juliet, however Mercutio and Benvolio are unaware of this. The only people who know of his marriage to Juliet are the nurse and Friar Lawrence. This is noteworthy because Shakespeare is showing that Romeo did not appreciate or trust his family enough. Instead, he hid his secrets from them and that led to many severe consequences. Perhaps if he had told them they would have done more to stop him from committing such foolish acts. Another example of this occurring is when Juliet disregards her nurse’s advice. “These griefs, these woes, these sorrows make me old. Shame come to Romeo!” (III.ii.90-91). Nurse no longer trusts Romeo, but she still supports Juliet. However, the idea that Juliet wants to sacrifice herself for love is incomprehensible to her. Nevertheless, Juliet still does not inform Nurse of her plans, and leads her to think she is dead. This is of significance because Shakespeare is conveying that Nurse and Juliet had a special bond that Juliet was willing to