The tragic story of Romeo and Juliet is widely considered the greatest tragedy ever written, focusing on two young people who tragically end their lives because of their intense love. This has led to debates about the responsibility of the adults around them in preventing this outcome. Ultimately, it can be argued that Friar Laurence, the Nurse, and to a lesser extent Mercutio are responsible for Romeo and Juliet’s deaths. In particular, Friar Laurence bears significant blame for causing this catastrophic event.
Friar Laurence is one of several individuals who should have provided guidance for Romeo and Juliet’s love, aiming to establish a more stable situation. It was the Friar who officiated the wedding between these two young individuals, even though they had only met each other a day prior. “I’ll assist you in one aspect.” Nearly every girl would eagerly pursue a relationship with Romeo, and the Friar should have recognized this and attempted to persuade Romeo to proceed more cautiously. Furthermore, the Friar intensified this already intensely passionate yet delicate relationship by providing Juliet with a potion that mimicked death.
Hold, daughter. I perceive a glimmer of hope that is as desperate as the execution we are striving to evade. If you possess the determination to end your life instead of marrying Count Paris, it is probable that you would also be willing to confront death in order to avoid the disgrace accompanying it. And if you dare, I shall provide you with a solution. The Friar endeavors to elucidate the circumstances in a letter; however, Romeo never receives it.
Friar Laurence and Juliet’s Nurse are both to blame for the tragic deaths of Romeo and Juliet. Friar Laurence’s impulsive actions and his failure to fully consider the consequences obscured the situation and ultimately led to the demise of the young lovers. Similarly, Juliet’s Nurse, whose role was to guide and support her in making responsible choices, often became involved in their fragile romance. Despite her duty to be a stable guardian, the Nurse was not always reliable. Instead of questioning the rapidity of Juliet’s decision to marry Romeo, she enthusiastically embraced the idea. Later, in an attempt to undo some of the harm she may have caused, the Nurse urged Juliet to abandon Romeo, resulting in desperate actions from the young protagonist.
If the Nurse had taken the time to consider the consequences of her actions, perhaps Romeo and Juliet would have survived. Although Mercutio is typically depicted as a cheerful and passionate character, he bears some responsibility for the tragic demise of the young lovers. It was actually Mercutio who persuaded Romeo to abandon his previous love interest, Rosaline, and attend a party at the Capulet mansion. Mercutio should have recognized that Romeo would not be welcomed at the Capulet’s due to the ongoing feud between the families. “No, dear Romeo, we must make you dance and be merry. You are a lover. Borrow Cupid’s wings and transcend the barriers.”
Initially, Romeo is overwhelmed by sadness when Rosaline rejects his love. However, Mercutio unintentionally becomes a hindrance in Romeo’s attempts to overcome his depression. When Tybalt threatens Romeo’s life, Mercutio becomes furious and confronts Tybalt. Tragically, Mercutio is killed by Tybalt in the confrontation. Upon learning of Mercutio’s death, Romeo is deeply saddened and frustrated. In a fit of anger, Romeo seeks out Tybalt and takes revenge by killing him.
This causes Romeo to be banished and triggers a series of deadly events. That is why Mercutio shares some of the blame for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. In conclusion, this tragic ending should not have happened to this young couple. There were many adults around them, who were considered responsible, but none of them realized the complexity of their love, which went beyond their teenage years. This romance was too complicated for the young couple to comprehend and evidently too confusing for those around them to comprehend as well.
