Theme Of Death In The Tragedy Of Romeo And Juliet

Famous Scientist Thomas Adams once stated, “Death is as near to the young as to the old; here is all the difference: death stands behind the young man 's back, before the old man 's face.” This idea of lingering death in all people’s lives, young or old, is carried out in The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. In Shakespeare’s play, two young, star crossed lovers (Romeo and Juliet) defy their families and community in attempt to be with each other. This attempt, however, was abortive, as it ended in the couple committing suicide. There were many factors that provoked the tragic death of these two, however some components were more influential than others. Due to involvement in facilitating a secret wedding and the creation of a menacing “plan”,

Although Friar had the best intentions in mind, this was the most influential factor in the couples death. Friar Laurence gave Juliet a poison that caused her to mimic the symptoms of death. “Take thou this vial, being then in bed, And this distillèd liquor drink thou off,When presently through all thy veins shall run, A cold and drowsy humor, for no pulse”(IV.I 96-99). The original plan was for the family to discover Juliet cold and “dead”, then take her to the tomb. From there, she would wake up with Romeo at her bedside. Romeo would get news of this plan by letter, which Friar had his brother deliver .This plan worked as far as getting Juliet in the tomb, but soon fell to shambles when the message of this plan failed to reach Romeo. The couple’s death was subsequent when there was a prodigious misapprehension. “I could not send it… here it is again…” ( V.II.14). Because of this message not being delivered to Romeo, his kinsman saw Juliet “dead” being put into her tomb. His kinsmen apprised to Romeo that Juliet had died. Romeo really thought she was dead, and right before Juliet was about to wake up, he committed suicide. This then caused Juliet to follow suit. Friar Laurence should not have trusted anyone to get this crucial letter to Romeo but himself. Friar Laurence’s proposition and lack of

Some of those antipathetic to this argument believe that Romeo is most at fault for the death of the couple because of his impetuous decision to commit suicide.Romeo would have never felt as if he needed to do this if the plan wasn’t set in the first place. Friar Laurence knew there could be major consequences if the plan failed, and this time they proved to be pernicious. “Her body sleeps in Capel 's ' monument,And her immortal part with angels lives”(V.I). Romeo would have never received this misguided information if it wasn’t for Friar’s overall plan, plus his lack of communication. This incorrect information caused Romeo to kill himself. Friar Laurence is most culpable , as it was his plan that caused Romeo to commit suicide, which was based on a lack of knowledge that should have been communicated to him in the first place. Friar Laurence’s short-sighted actions ultimately led to the Death of Romeo and