Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

In the Play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, no single person is the blame for the tragedy that takes place. The tragedy was the inevitable result of the mutual rivalry and enmity between the Capulets and Montague families, hasty decisions made by our characters and a lot of bad luck.

Firstly the main and most important reason that our heroes met their untimely doom was the continuous strife and struggle between the families of our two protagonists. The fighting had been present for a long time as the Prince had said “By thee, old Capulet, and Montague, Have thrice disturb'd the quiet of our streets” (1.1. 90-91). The rivalry and fighting between the families led to violence and bloodshed time and again, resulting in the deaths of Romeo's good friend Mercutio and Juliet’s cousin Tybalt, which ultimately lead to Romeo's banishment. Had the families found another way to peace rather than war, this tragedy might never have happened. Therefore it is safe to conclude that the rivalry and enmity between the Capulets and the Montague was a main constituent of this gruesome tragedy.

Secondly, the tragedy was caused by some hasty decisions made by our characters. Romeo and Juliet made their fair share of mistakes, but Friar Laurence wasn't far behind either. The Friar hastily married them the next day, right after he received Romeo's request, thereby setting up the stage for the tragedy that would take place later. He advised Romeo saying “Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast.” (2.3.94). Too bad he didn’t act on his own advice and became part of the tragedy. Romeo being the hasty young man that he is, ended up killing Tybalt in a fit of rage, a decision that he grew to regret later. Another major role was played by Juliet's parents by arranging her marriage to Paris so early without her consent. It is quite evident that she hated Paris as she said to the Friar "O, bid me leap, rather than marry Paris, From off the battlements of yonder tower" (4.1.77-78). Romeo’s servant Balthazar also decided to quickly take the news of Juliet's false "death" to Romeo in Mantua, thereby resulting in Romeo's suicide because he thought that Juliet was really dead. Had Romeo not decided to drink the poison and had some patience, he might have lived to see Juliet awake. This decision cost him his life and also resulted in the suicide of