Who Is Responsible For Romeo And Juliet's Death

“From ancient grudge break to new mutiny” (Shakespeare 992). With this statement Shakespeare makes it quite clear who is responsible for the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. The feud between the Montagues and Capulets and their bad parenting are the reasons why Romeo and Juliet ended up dead; however, some people still believe that the Friar is responsible.
To start off, the families’ feud is responsible for the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. First, the main reason why Romeo and Juliet are scared to be together is because they know that their families hate each other. “My only love sprung from my only hate!” (Shakespeare 1018). This quote from the play shows how Juliet feels about loving somebody who is supposed to be her enemy. After both …show more content…
For example, at the beginning of the play, Lord Montague is talking to Benvolio about how Romeo has been depressed. “I neither know it nor can learn of him” (Shakespeare 998). Lord Montague expresses concern for his son, but he also states that he cannot help him. Romeo and his father are not close at all, and Lord Montague obviously does not know about major events that go on in Romeo’s life. If Romeo and his father were closer then Romeo might have felt more comfortable talking to him about his problems. Being closer with his father could have prevented Romeo from sneaking around. Next, Lord Capulet hitting Juliet and threatening to disown her makes him seem like an abusive father. “But, an you will not wed, I’ll pardon you. Graze where you will, you shall not house with me!” (Shakespeare 1069). Lord Capulet overreacted to Juliet not wanting to marry Paris. This turned Juliet away from her family. Again there is unnecessary violence. Furthermore, neither Lady Capulet nor the Nurse really stood up for Juliet. Having her loved ones abandon her led Juliet to have suicidal thoughts. Finally, as a result of her parents threatening to disown her, Juliet went to the Friar and expressed to him that she wanted to die. “O, bid me leap, rather than marry Paris” (Shakespeare 1074). Juliet tells the Friar that she would rather die than marry Paris. …show more content…
First of all, if there were not a feud between the families, then Romeo and Juliet never would have had to go to the Friar for help. “I have been feasting with mine enemy…Both our remedies within thy help and holy physic lies” (Shakespeare 1030). Romeo is telling the Friar about his feelings for Juliet and asking him for help. Because of the feud Romeo is afraid to be in love with Juliet. The Friar only helped Romeo because he begged him to. Secondly, even though the Friar did suggest Juliet to fake her death, he is not the reason why Romeo and Juliet died. “Love give me strength, and strength shall help me afford” (Shakespeare 1076). Juliet willingly faked her death. She went to the Friar for help, so he helped her. The Friar expected the plan to go perfectly, as did Juliet. Had Juliet not been forced to marry Paris, she would not have had to go to the Friar. Lastly, the Friar was just trying to help two people that were in love. “Wisely and slow. They stumble that run fast” (Shakespeare 1031). Throughout the play, the Friar gave good advice to Romeo and Juliet. He was trying to do what was best for them when he made his decisions. Friar Laurence knew that the Montagues and Capulets would not accept that Romeo and Juliet loved each other, so he helped