Why do Romeo and Juliet die? Who is to Blame for the Tragedy?

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Romeo and Juliet Coursework Essay

Why do Romeo and Juliet die? Who is to Blame for the Tragedy?

Introduction

'Romeo and Juliet' is a tragedy and one of the greatest love stories of all time. Written by William Shakespeare in around 1595, the play, based on a romantic poem by Arthur Brookes, shows love too superior to the storms of circumstances. Images of hate, death and violence are found throughout the play, in which characters are revealed through their relationships with each other. In this essay, I will analyse who is to blame for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet and who or what is to blame for the final tragedy.

The Feud

One quiet, peaceful day in Verona, an ancient feud erupts in the middle of Verona. Two families called the Montagues and the Capulets fight for power in Verona. This has gone on for years and years and still it has not yet been resolved. The feud between the two families plays a big part in the lovers’ downfall.

Hatred becomes very obvious from the first scene, when the servants from both families begin to clash in the middle of Verona:

Act 1 Scene 1 – ‘Do you bite your thumb at us, sir?’

Biting your thumb is seen as an insult which restarts another fight between the two families.

Also in the first scene Tybalt makes matters worse by admitting he hates all Montagues. He also says that he won’t back down out of a fight against them:

Act 1 Scene 1 – ‘What drawn and talk of peace? I hate the word, as I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee.’

This shows that Tybalt as a fiery character, making things causing friction because he is not willing to compromise, this also shows that he has undying hatred for all Montagues.

Themes

There are several themes running through the play, all of which affect the action in one way or another. The most important of these themes is love. The play hinges on Romeo and Juliet falling in love. Without this, the tragedy would not have taken place. The play is very fast moving; the whole story takes place in approximately five days.

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Romeo was in love with Rosaline until he attends the Capulet party with Mercutio. When he arrives at the party, he stares at Juliet and Juliet stares right back at him. It was love at first sight. As they begin to get to know one another, Romeo feels that Juliet is the one for him.

Act 1 Sc 5
Romeo – “My lips two blushing pilgrims ready stand”

Juliet -  “My only love sprung from my only hate”

Act 2 Sc 2

Romeo – “O speak again, bright angel”

Juliet – “What’s in a name? That which ...

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