Th tragedy of Romeo and Juliet
The tragedy of Romeo and Juliet is one of the most well-known plays in the English language.
The play, written by William Shakespeare, tells the story of two young lovers from feuding
families who fall deeply in love but are ultimately unable to be together. The play is a tragedy
because it ends in the death of both Romeo and Juliet, as well as several other characters. This
essay will explore the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, examining the elements of the play that
make it a tragedy and the ways in which the characters’ actions contribute to their downfall.
One of the key elements of the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet is the role of fate and destiny. From
the very beginning of the play, the audience is told that the lovers’ fates are sealed. The
prologue says, “A pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life; Whose misadventured piteous
overthrows doth with their death bury their parents’ strife” (Prologue, lines 5-8). This sets the
tone for the entire play, indicating that the events that follow are inevitable.
The actions of the characters also contribute to the tragic ending of the play. Romeo’s rashness
and impulsiveness, for example, lead to his downfall. His decision to kill Tybalt, Juliet’s cousin,
in revenge for the death of his friend Mercutio, ultimately leads to his banishment from Verona.
This sets in motion a chain of events that ultimately leads to the tragic end of the play. When
Romeo learns of Juliet’s supposed death, he rushes back to Verona and takes his own life.
This, in turn, leads to Juliet’s death when she wakes up and finds Romeo dead beside her. The
tragic ending of the play is a result of the characters’ actions, highlighting the importance of the
choices we make and the consequences they can have.
Another element that contributes to the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet is the theme of love. The
play is, at its heart, a love story, but the intensity and passion of the lovers’ love is ultimately
what leads to their downfall. Romeo and Juliet are so consumed by their love for one another
that they are willing to do whatever it takes to be together, even if it means defying their families
and risking their own lives. Juliet, for example, says, “My only love sprung from my only hate!
Too early seen unknown, and known too late! Prodigious birth of love it is to me, that I must love
a loathed enemy” (Act 1, Scene 5, lines 137-140). This quote highlights the intensity of Juliet’s
love for Romeo, but also the tragedy of their situation. Their love is so powerful that it ultimately
leads to their deaths.
