Romeo's Apothecary Essay

Think of a character in a book or film who appears only briefly but is a significant presence. The apothecary in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is an example of this character. Although the apothecary only makes one momentary appearance, he is notable because he demonstrates an underlying theme and affects the plot drastically. The interaction Romeo has with the apothecary reveals a hidden theme. Romeo wants to buy a poison to kill himself after he finds Juliet dead. When the apothecary is wary about selling the poison to Romeo because it is illegal with a sentence of death, Romeo persuades him stating, “The world affords no law to make thee rich; Then be not poor but break it and take [my money]” (5.1.76-77). It is up to the apothecary to not sell Romeo the poison and be poor, or to sell it, be rich, and be killed. Romeo convinces the apothecary to sell him the poison because of the apothecary’s longing for money. This displays the theme that people will do anything for money. After the apothecary gives Romeo the money, Romeo replies, “There is thy gold-worse poison to men’s souls” (5.1.83). He is claiming that money is more deadly than actual poison. This adds to the theme, proving that money is dangerous. Shakespeare is making the point that money is

Romeo drinks the poison and exclaims, “O true apothecary! Thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die” (5.3.119-120). The apothecary selling the poison to Romeo results in Romeo successfully killing himself. The apothecary is a cause of Romeo’s death. Then, Juliet wakes, snatches Romeo’s dagger, and says, “This is thy sheath; there rust, and let me die” (5.3.175). Juliet then stabs herself and dies. This tragic ending would not have happened if the apothecary had not sold Romeo the poison. The apothecary’s choice to sell the poison resulted in the death of both Romeo and Juliet. The apothecary had the chance to prevent