Explain how the situation has quickly got out of hand. Who or what is responsible for this: Romeo; Juliet; or the bad feeling between the families.
The deaths of Tybalt and Mercutio are the result of how quickly things got out of control between the two families. Before the unfortunate events, Tybalt and Mercutio’s death, both families despised each other, ‘Nay, as they dare. I will bite my thumb at them, which is disgrace to them if they bear it.’ but they never acted upon this hatred, but then things quickly took a turn for the worse. Both deaths could be considered the fault of Juliet, Romeo or the bad blood between the families. In this essay I shall describe how it could be each of their faults and then I will conclude who is the most at fault.
Some people may feel that the fact that the situation quickly got out of control is Juliet’s fault. Their reasoning’s is she married Romeo, knowing that it would create family problems. In addition, she married Romeo quickly and arguably rashly. If she had been reasonable and assessed the situation, she may have left Romeo (for ease) and none of the tragic events would have taken place. However, I do not feel this is the case. Juliet cannot control who she falls in love with, whether it is right or wrong, and she also cannot control her lover. It was Romeo who killed Tybalt and Juliet was nowhere near the scene, therefore she was unable to stop him. ‘Ay me, what news? What news? Why dost thou wring thy hands?’ This quote shows she had no knowledge of the tragic events.
