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Who Is To Blame In Romeo And Juliet

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Fortune is not to Blame In Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, the Montagues and Capulets are two families in a century long feud. Romeo and Juliet are from opposing families and are unlikely lovers. Their love is known to have a doomed outcome from the beginning, but their fate is not entirely uncontrollable. Although their families are sworn enemies and their love for each other is forbidden, Romeo’s and Juliet’s own reckless actions are source of their doom and fortune is not to blame. Romeo and Juliet fall in love with each other quickly, just days after Romeo has gotten out of a relationship with his former lover, Rosaline. Before Romeo meets Juliet, he claims his only love is for Rosaline and he still has strong feelings for her: …show more content…

Friar Lawrence tries to help Romeo and provides him words of wisdom in which he fails to listen to, “These violent delights have violent ends” (2.6.9). Friar Lawrence warns that falling in love too quickly and passionately will in turn lead to an end that is equally as sudden and violent. Romeo turns a blind ear to his advice which causes him to make reckless decisions, bringing about his and Juliet’s unfortunate ends. Likewise, the nurse tries to help Juliet when she sees her sadness and advises her to marry Paris, hoping it will bring her happiness and fulfillment: “Romeo’s a dishclout to him. An eagle, madam, / Hath not so green, so quick, so fair as an eye / As Paris hath” (3.5.232-234). The nurse tries to talk sense into Juliet as she can see what a careless decision she has made by marrying Romeo. Much like Romeo, Juliet does not listen or accept the help she receives from others and goes on to follow only her own judgment. As can be seen, Romeo and Juliet let their emotions get in the way of allowing themselves to think rationally and they let their hearts override what their mind and others are trying to tell

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