Impulsive Actions In Romeo And Juliet

In Shakespeare's tragedy “Romeo and Juliet”, the impulsive actions of Romeo and Mercutio start major chain reactions that change the course of the play, leading it to its final tragedy. Romeo's impulsive actions, driven by love, are seen when he falls instantly for Juliet and later seeks revenge for the death of his friend. Mercutio’s loyalty and love for his friends also cause him to make reckless decisions to defend his friend that he wouldn't have made if it weren't for his passionate and spontaneous personality. These impulsive actions cause the fight between the Capulets and Montegues to increase while eventually causing the death of Romeo and Juliet.

Love is a big factor that causes Romeo to act impulsively. One of the main examples

Ignoring what might happen, Juliet secretly marries Romeo. This impulsiveness starts a domino effect that increases the fight between the Capulets and the Montagues, also pushing to the tragic end of the play. Juliet's impulsive decision to fake her own death shows her love for Romeo. In Act 4, not wanting to marry Paris, Juliet asks Friar Lawrence for help. In the plan, she drinks a potion that will make her look dead. As Juliet gets ready to drink the potion, she says, "Romeo, Romeo, Romeo! Here's drink - I drink to thee" (4.3.59). This quote shows Juliet's love for Romeo, when she willingly risks her own life, not knowing if the potion could kill her, but drinks it to hopefully be with him. When Romeo, who does not know anything of the plan, finds Juliet “dead”, he makes the impulsive decision to kill himself in heartbreak and sadness. When she wakes up to see Romeo dead, Juliet, also filled with grief, does the same. Her impulsive plan to get back together with Romeo eventually leads to both of their own deaths. Juliet's impulsive decisions driven by her love for Romeo cause the chain of events that lead to the final tragedy. If she was not so reckless and thought through her decisions, the play would have ended