One’s imperfections can become extremely costly to the point where they become dangerous and can lead to one’s downfall. In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, one’s flaw can also be the attribute that helps propel oneself into a downward spiral. Romeo’s personal weaknesses led to tragic consequences because they were a destructive force capable of causing large detriments to his character. This is demonstrated when Romeo’s infatuation with Juliet led him to neglect the value of life, when his instability caused him to over dramatize disappointing situations and when his impulsiveness caused him to misjudge the severity of his actions. Romeo’s infatuation with Juliet led him to neglect the value of life because he felt that having her
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The assertion that he would rather be brutally murdered than live without Juliet’s love demonstrates the depths he would go to and the kind of endangerment he would allow to be thrown his way just to share a few more moments with her. He exhibits little respect for his own life which consequently, highlights the harmful effects his love for Juliet has on his character. In addition, when Romeo hears of Juliet’s tragic passing, he chooses to return to Verona to see her once again in contrast to the terms of his banishment. Romeo questions, “Is it e’en so? Then I defy you stars! Thou know’st my lodging. Get me ink and paper and hire post horses. I will hence tonight” (V, i, 24-26). Romeo’s proclaim that he will go back to Verona to see his wife one final time, despite the city being filled with people who want to see him dead, shows the grasp Juliet’s love has on his soul. Her love consumes him and exudes throughout every bone of his body, making it impossible for him to think that anything, even his own safety could ever hold a higher significance. Lastly, in reaction to Juliet’s passing, Romeo decides that he is incapable of living without her love and plans to take his own life. …show more content…
Shortly after meeting Juliet, he decides that he is in love with her and needs to marry her right away. Romeo explains, “I’ll tell thee as we pass; but this I pray, that thou consent to marry us today” (II, iii, 63-64). The act of claiming that he needs to marry Juliet immediately shows how little he thought about making this huge commitment. Marrying a woman who you have only known for one night is completely illogical and in his case will risk causing tensions to rise between their two families. He never asked himself if marrying Juliet was worth all the turmoil it would cause. Due to Romeo’s haste in marrying Juliet, their love never had the chance to blossom into a strong bond that would be suitable for marriage and was destined to end dreadfully. Another instance where Romeo’s impulsiveness led to poor decision making was after Tybalt murdered Mercutio. In anger, Romeo fought Tybalt to the death, resulting in his banishment from Verona. Romeo states, “Alive in triumph - and Mercutio slain! Away to heaven, respective lenity, and fire-eyed fury be my conduct now… Either thou or I, or both must go with him” (III, i, 84-91). When Romeo expressed that his fury was guiding his actions, he proved that he was not in a levelheaded state. Had Romeo been able to take a step back to reexamine the situation, he would have realized that
The assertion that he would rather be brutally murdered than live without Juliet’s love demonstrates the depths he would go to and the kind of endangerment he would allow to be thrown his way just to share a few more moments with her. He exhibits little respect for his own life which consequently, highlights the harmful effects his love for Juliet has on his character. In addition, when Romeo hears of Juliet’s tragic passing, he chooses to return to Verona to see her once again in contrast to the terms of his banishment. Romeo questions, “Is it e’en so? Then I defy you stars! Thou know’st my lodging. Get me ink and paper and hire post horses. I will hence tonight” (V, i, 24-26). Romeo’s proclaim that he will go back to Verona to see his wife one final time, despite the city being filled with people who want to see him dead, shows the grasp Juliet’s love has on his soul. Her love consumes him and exudes throughout every bone of his body, making it impossible for him to think that anything, even his own safety could ever hold a higher significance. Lastly, in reaction to Juliet’s passing, Romeo decides that he is incapable of living without her love and plans to take his own life. …show more content…
Shortly after meeting Juliet, he decides that he is in love with her and needs to marry her right away. Romeo explains, “I’ll tell thee as we pass; but this I pray, that thou consent to marry us today” (II, iii, 63-64). The act of claiming that he needs to marry Juliet immediately shows how little he thought about making this huge commitment. Marrying a woman who you have only known for one night is completely illogical and in his case will risk causing tensions to rise between their two families. He never asked himself if marrying Juliet was worth all the turmoil it would cause. Due to Romeo’s haste in marrying Juliet, their love never had the chance to blossom into a strong bond that would be suitable for marriage and was destined to end dreadfully. Another instance where Romeo’s impulsiveness led to poor decision making was after Tybalt murdered Mercutio. In anger, Romeo fought Tybalt to the death, resulting in his banishment from Verona. Romeo states, “Alive in triumph - and Mercutio slain! Away to heaven, respective lenity, and fire-eyed fury be my conduct now… Either thou or I, or both must go with him” (III, i, 84-91). When Romeo expressed that his fury was guiding his actions, he proved that he was not in a levelheaded state. Had Romeo been able to take a step back to reexamine the situation, he would have realized that