Romeo and Juliet is one of Shakespeare’s most notable works in history. It depicts an infamous love story that ended in a tragedy. When their bodies were discovered, people questioned had several questions. What had happened? Who was to blame for this tragedy? Or, was there really anyone to blame? The Prince, appalled by what had happened,had this to say: “Some shall be pardoned, and some punished” (Romeo and Juliet. 5.3.322). Although it is not directly said who he is referring to, the events throughout the play paint a clear picture of whom he holds accountable and why. This included the Capulet’s and Montague’s endless feud, the Friar’s plan, and his own hesitation to act.
Although there are several people that were responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, two that stand out were the Capulets and the Montagues. Their hate, one that lasted throughout centuries, did not make it easy on Romeo and Juliet. For example, “Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean” (1.1.4), illustrates the …show more content…
He admits to his fault here: “See what a scourge is laid upon your hate, / That heaven finds means to kill your joys with love!/ And I, for winking at your discords too, / Have lost a brace of kinsmen” (5.3.305-308). In this quote, he is expressing that he did not do enough to stop the families’ endless feud, only “winking” at them (ignoring their growing disputes). The Prince threatened the families multiple times on this topic, including these few examples: "If ever you disturb our streets again,/ Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace.” (1.1.97-98) and “But I'll amerce you with so strong a fine/ That you shall all repent the loss of mine” (3.1.194-195). However, he did not enforce these threats. If he had, the increase in hatred among the families might have been prevented. This might have led to Romeo and Juliet having permission to fall in love, and both of their lives would have been
Although there are several people that were responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, two that stand out were the Capulets and the Montagues. Their hate, one that lasted throughout centuries, did not make it easy on Romeo and Juliet. For example, “Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean” (1.1.4), illustrates the …show more content…
He admits to his fault here: “See what a scourge is laid upon your hate, / That heaven finds means to kill your joys with love!/ And I, for winking at your discords too, / Have lost a brace of kinsmen” (5.3.305-308). In this quote, he is expressing that he did not do enough to stop the families’ endless feud, only “winking” at them (ignoring their growing disputes). The Prince threatened the families multiple times on this topic, including these few examples: "If ever you disturb our streets again,/ Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace.” (1.1.97-98) and “But I'll amerce you with so strong a fine/ That you shall all repent the loss of mine” (3.1.194-195). However, he did not enforce these threats. If he had, the increase in hatred among the families might have been prevented. This might have led to Romeo and Juliet having permission to fall in love, and both of their lives would have been