Romeo and Juliet Argumentative Essay Example

Who doesn’t absolutely love romance stories? There are countless tales and stories of lovers overcoming many hardships and obstacles to live happily ever after. However, there is a story which is an exception to the stereotypical romance. This story is about two “star-crossed” lovers, and their untimely and unnecessary deaths caused ultimately by their own loved ones. In William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, Friar Lawrence, followed by Lord Capulet, were most responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet.

First, Friar Lawrence is most responsible for the death of the newlyweds for a multitude of reasons. He says, “In one respect I’ll thy assistant be, / For this alliance may so happy prove / To turn your households’ rancor to pure love.” (Act II, Sc. 3, Friar Lawrence, lines 97-99) Although Lawrence had good intentions, he shouldn’t have secretly married Romeo and Juliet. A solution could’ve been to wed them after convincing the quarreling families of Romeo and Juliet’s love. However, some people disagree that Friar Lawrence is the main cause of death. They say Nurse is most to blame for the tragedies. Shakespeare wrote, “Nurse: Then hie you hence to Friar Lawrence’ cell. There stays a husband to make you a wife.” (Act II, Sc. 6, Nurse, lines 73-74) Like Lawrence, Nurse urged Juliet to get secretly married to Romeo. This secret marriage caused problems like Mercutio and Tybalt’s deaths, which led to Romeo’s exile and death along with Juliet’s. Although it may be true Nurse also supported the discrete marriage, she is not the most responsible for the deaths. Lawrence stated, “The letter was not nice but full of charge, of dear import and the neglecting it / May do much danger.” (Act V, Sc. 3, Friar Lawrence, lines 18-20) Friar Lawrence was at fault because he entrusted Juliet’s life in someone else. To sum up, Friar Lawrence secretly wedding Romeo and Juliet and not ensuring the dire message gets through to Romeo is why he is the most to blame.

Secondly, Lord Capulet is also to blame for the deaths of husband and wife, Romeo and Juliet. In the story it says, “Hang thee, young baggage, disobedient wretch! . . . Get thee to church o’ Thursday, or never after look me in the face.” (Act III, Sc. 5, Capulet, lines 166-168) In other words, Capulet is warning Juliet she would be disowned. This act causes her to go to Friar Lawrence seeking help. On the contrary, others say Tybalt is more responsible due to his indirect part in Romeo’s and Juliet’s deaths. Shakespeare said, “Tybalt: Romeo, the love I bear thee can afford / No better term than this: Thou art a villain.” (Act III, Sc. 1, Tybalt, Lines 61-62) Tybalt caused Mercutio’s death, which angered Romeo. Finally, Romeo killed Tybalt and was exiled. Everything leads back to Tybalt. Even though, it was ultimately Romeo’s decision to kill Tybalt and get himself exiled. Capulet said, “Go, nurse. Go with her. We’ll to church tomorrow.” (Act IV, Sc. 2, Capulet, Line 38) Capulet’s decision to move the wedding forward a day, caused Juliet to take the potion and cause Romeo to believe she was dead. All in all, Capulet is responsible for the death of his daughter and her husband.

To conclude, Friar Lawrence and Lord Capulet were the most responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. Even though there were many people contributing towards their deaths, most of the blame should be on Lawrence and Capulet. Friar Lawrence suggested the two lovers should get secretly married, which was a bad idea. Also, he was the one who gave Juliet the potion that would cause Romeo to kill himself. Lord Capulet threatened to disown Juliet and moved the wedding forward a day, leading to Juliet drinking the potion. How is such a tragedy possible?