Romeo And Juliet's Decisions

516 Words3 Pages

Shakespeare shows in Romeo and Juliet how love can cause one to act without thought. The pairs’ instantaneous love for each other within minutes of meeting exemplifies the disregard they have for their lives. Later, their rash lovestruck actions highlight how love can make people act anomalously. Finally, their inevitable deaths confirm the catastrophic effects of love. Through Romeo and Juliet’s simultaneous suicides Shakespeare emphasizes how love can make one’s decisions thoughtless. After meeting, the couple’s immediate need for each other proves they would rather die than lose the other. Juliet’s readiness to die alone if she can not have Romeo authenticates her love for him. After their first dance Juliet states, “If he be married, / My grave is like to be my wedding-bed” (1.5.140-41). Her immediate infatuation with him conveys that it is love at first sight. Subsequently, Romeo risking his life just to see Juliet again builds on how far they are willing to go for their love. Juliet tells him, “If they do see thee, they will murder thee” (2.2.74). His bravery to sneak into the Capulet’s property further demonstrates his love for her. Romeo and Juliet’s passion for the other …show more content…

Romeo’s spiteful slaying of Tybalt proves that both love and frustration can overshadow any understanding. “Away to heaven, respective lenity, / And fire-eyed fury be my conduct now!” (3.1.120-21). Although not a romantic love, Romeo’s love for Mercutio leading him to kill Tybalt illustrates how easily the heart can conquer the brain. Additionally, Juliet’s sudden agreement with the Friar’s plan indicates how her lust for Romeo has clouded her brain. “Love give me strength! And strength shall help afford.” (4.1.127). Her apathy towards leaving her life behind denotes that love is taking control over her judgment. The pairs’ thoughtless decision making echoes the power love has over the

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