Essay Example about Changing The Ending of Romeo and Juliet

I would not change the ending of Romeo and Juliet. If there was a different conclusion to this play, it would disrupt the entire structure of it. From the first act all the way to the last, there is foreshadowing predicting both Romeo and Juliet’s death. As Romeo climbs down Juliet’s balcony, she says, “Methinks I see thee now, thou art so low As one dead in the bottom of a tomb. Either my eyesight fails, or thou look’st pale.” (Shakespeare 3.5.54-56). This quote demonstrates foreshadowing about Romeo’s death because Juliet said that he looks pale, like a corpse at the bottom of a grave. Not only does the foreshadowing of Romeo and Juliet’s deaths play a significant role in the play, but when they do die, it serves as a resolution. When the Montagues and Capulets realize their rivalry was the cause of their children’s deaths, they reconcile with each other. In conclusion, Romeo and Juliet’s deaths are a crucial part of the play. 

Seeing as though the events in Romeo and Juliet led to the current ending, I would keep it the same. I think changing the ending in any way would completely impede the meaning and coherency of the play. Changing the ending of this play would cause previous scenes and  foreshadowing to become meaningless. An example of this would be when Romeo says, “I dreamt my lady came and found me dead—” (Shakespeare 5.1.6). If they both lived at the end, there would be no reason for Romeo to say this since it would not further progress the plot. The point of Romeo and Juliet is to be a cautionary tale for foolishness, emotions, and rivalry; removing any consequences from the character's actions would no longer make the play a cautionary tale, and it would lose all meaning. Moreover, Fate shows a forceful presence in the play. If the outcome were to change from the ending that was inferred from the beginning, it would entirely nullify fate's presence. As you can see, altering the ending of Romeo and Juliet would undoubtedly change the dynamic of the plot.