Who Is Responsible For The Deaths Of Romeo And Juliet

The play Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare, is a haunting portrayal of young love cut short by tragedy. While their untimely demise is often attributed to the star-crossed lovers themselves, it is crucial to recognize the influential roles played by other key characters in the play. The deaths of Romeo and Juliet can be attributed to the collective actions and decisions of three pivotal characters: Romeo, the impulsive protagonist; Friar Lawrence, the well-meaning yet misguided advisor; and Lord Capulet, the authoritative and stubborn father. Friar Lawrence, played a crucial part in the couple's fate.
In the play Romeo and Juliet, Friar Lawrence plays a major component in the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. Being an influential figure, he

His actions and decisions contribute to the tragic events that unfold. In the storyline, due to unawareness of Juliet’s marriage, he tries to marry her to Paris, a count with much power. Juliet obviously refuses to, which makes him irate and unreasonable. He yells, “Hang thee, young baggage. Disobedient wretch! I tell thee what. Get thee to church a Thursday, Or never after look me in the face. Speak not, reply not, do not answer me” (Shakespeare 167). Lord Capulet's insistence on forcing Juliet to marry Paris against her will creates a sense of desperation for Juliet. This decision not only disregards Juliet's feelings and desires but also puts her in a position where she feels trapped and helpless. This eventually led to her asking the friar for help, which in turn led to her demise. Once devising her plan, Juliet goes to her father to try to and convince him that she changed her mind about marrying marries and is now exuberant bride. He falls for it. A bit too much. Speaking with his servants, he states, "Send for the County. Go tell him of this. I'll have this knot knit up tomorrow morning” (Shakespeare 189). Ecstatic that Juliet has had a change of heart, he pushes forward the wedding date, which was originally on Thursday, to now Wednesday. This sudden change in the wedding date showcases Lord Capulet's impulsive and forceful nature, as well as his lack of consideration for

His impulsive nature, emotional volatility, and flawed decision-making play a pivotal role in the chain of events that leads to their ultimate demise. When first meeting Juliet, his extreme passion and emotional volatility led to him falling in love with her at first glance. He praises, “O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night Like a rich jewel in an Ethiope’s ear; Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear!" (Shakespeare 53). His sudden infatuation with Juliet leads him to pursue their forbidden love affair despite the existing feud between their families. It’s almost as if it were a teenage crush and not true love. Romeo's willingness to disregard societal norms and the potential consequences of their actions heightens the tension and sets the stage for the tragic events that unfold. Romeo eventually hears of Juliet’s death from his servant. Not knowing of Juliet’s true plan, he immediately rushes to the conclusion that Juliet is truly dead. Not knowing this, he affirms, ‘“An if a man did need a poison now, Whose sale is present death in Mantua, Here lives a caitiff wretch would sell it him.’ O, this same thought did but forerun my need, And this same needy man must sell it me. As I remember, this should be the house. Being holiday, the beggar’s shop is shut.— What ho, Apothecary!” (Shakespeare 215). Romeo recalls