Who are responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet?

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English Coursework                Mitchell Finaly

(ROMEO AND JULIET                10CP

Who are responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet?

Romeo and Juliet, the star crossed lovers, the perfect sadly losing there lives for their great love of each other. The tragic death has many characters to blame, but it is impossible to pinpoint the full responsibility on one individual character. Many of the characters in ‘Romeo and Juliet’ blame each other, for example, the Prince blames the two families and feud for their deaths. He believes that if certain things were different than this whole mess would not have occurred. If this terrible feud were not occurring than there would have been no objection to Romeo and Juliet getting married.

“Where be these enemies? Capulet, Montague, see what a scourge is laid apon your hate,”

(Act5 Scene3 lines 291-292) (The Prince)

The most obvious character to blame in ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is most probably Friar Lawrence, for it was him who invents the bizarre scheme that will bring them together. Romeo puts his faith and trust in the Friar and he treats him almost like his own father. The Friars character is a very selfish one. At first he shows care and concern for Romeo by not totally agreeing with Romeos actions and decisions, for Romeo was not long ago in love with Rosaline,

“Young men’s love, then, lies not truly in their hearts, but in their eyes.”

(Act2 Scene3 lines 67-68) (Friar Lawrence)

But as time progresses his thoughts change and he agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet, His intentions were not for the best of Romeo and Juliet but to gain praise from the people of Verona because he thinks that this might stop the dreadful feud. As planned the Friars idea goes well and the Feud is finally over, but all is not good for in exchange for peace, Romeo and Juliet now law sadley in a tomb.

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“For the alliance may so happy prove

 To turn you households’ rancour to pure love.”

(Act3 Scene3 lines 91-92) (Friar Lawrence)

Once the Friar realises that all has gone wrong his, he abandons Juliet in the tomb to die. His selfishness has cost Romeo and Juliet their lives. At this point of the play the Friars true self is revealed, he is not helpful and has no concern for Romeo, but just for Himself. Another character similar as the Friar, but not as much to blame, is Juliet’s Nurse. Although she new noting about the plan, she was the only ...

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