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Answer the following prompt with a well-structured paragraph that includes:
-a one-sentence, arguable claim (your answer)
-context (leading in to your quote)
-a properly formatted quote (with Act, Scene, and Lines)
-commentary (explaining WHY/HOW your quote supports your claim)
After you leave your answer, refresh the page and begin to read the responses of your classmates. Leave comments for them.
You must leave AT LEAST THREE very thoughtful comments.
You should do as many quality comments as you can until the time has run out.
IMPORTANT
Your comments should go way beyond merely saying "I liked your answer" etc. Instead, ask each other questions and leave detailed reactions. Discuss what parts of each others' answers you agree/disagree with and WHY.
Remember: the purpose of a Socratic is to get to NEW and DEEPER truths about the question -- not to WIN an argument. In other words, you are trying to use each others' responses to make each other think in new ways about the information.
Some possible starters:
I agree with you that _________, but I also think that ___________.
When you write ______________ it makes me also think that ________________________.
When you say _______________, do you mean to suggest that _______________________?
What if __________________? Would you still say ___________?
Etc.
Friar John is most to blame for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. Friar John is tasked with delivering a letter to Romeo that explains Juliet's death-like condition. In act 5 scene 2, Friar John returns the letter after unsuccessfully trying to deliver it to Romeo. He admits his failure when he says, "I could not send it..." (5.3.14). Had Friar John actually sent this letter, Romeo would have known that Juliet was not dead, so he would not have gone back to Verona and killed himself.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that Friar John played a key part in their deaths, but isn't it unfair to put all the blame on one person for not delivering a message that was so important?
DeleteI agree that Friar John plays a key part in Romeo and Juliet's death, but don't you think that this is a very superficial answer to the question? While on the surface it may seem that it is entirely Friar John's fault, actions made by other people in the play prompt Juliet to formulate a plan that she knows has a risk of not working. Also, even Friar John had delivered the letter, that would just be the start of Romeo and Juliet living without their family and a life filled with struggles.
DeleteI do like your insight on the cause of the couples death, though I disagree with the fact that all the blame should be put on Friar Lawrence himself. I do believe it was partly his fault, but shouldn't you consider the amount of haste this couple had for true love, putting Friar Lawrence in a complicated situation? After all, he is just a Friar, his job is to marry, not pull off elaborate schemes.
DeleteI agree with Nathan on this. I think the failure to deliver the letter was more of a "wrong place and the wrong time" situation. Yes, the Friar could have tried a bit harder, but overall it was mostly bad luck that killed Romeo and Juliet in that sense.
DeleteI agree that it is unfair to blame Romeo and Juliet's deaths solely on Friar John, he is more to blame than any other character.
DeleteJeremy, Simon is referring to Friar John.
DeleteI agree with this comment but think about what would have happened if Friar Lawrence told Friar John that the letter was extremely important before he was sent out to deliver it. Then, the letter would be more likely to reach Romeo.
DeleteI agree with you that Friar John's mistake did eventually lead to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet but if Romeo and Juliet weren't forbidden to love each other in the first place none of this would have happened. The only reason Romeo killed himself is because he loved Juliet and couldn't be with her.
DeleteMax, I agree that this might have helped, but I think that if the message had not been important, Friar Lawrence would have delivered it himself.
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ReplyDeleteI agree with you that Romeo is selfish when it comes to his feelings, but I also think that his family wanted him to find a new girl to love because they knew that Rosaline could never be with Romeo.
DeleteI agree with you when you say that he fell in love too quickly for Juliet, but do you think that at first, it was true love? He was so set on leaving Rosaline that he may have just wanted to find another to get his mind off her. Rosaline had only brought ache in his life and he knew he didn't want that. Do you think that the efforts of Romeo to Juliet were as elaborate as the ones he gave to Rosaline? He did love Rosaline, but by the end, he was done. Do you think that with him being sick of the heartache for her made him give everything into a new relationship?
DeleteSorry for deleting mine I re posted it below, I needed to fix something. To Simon, wouldn't his family be against him loving a girl from a different clan Wouldn't they want him to find a girl from the safe circle as them?
DeleteTo Audrey, I do believe it was love at first sight because the second he saw her it was clear he loved her. Yet he should have controlled himself and not gone up to Juliet knowing the consequences of his actions.
DeleteRomeo is the most to blame for the death of Juliet and himself. After Romeo met Juliet at the party, meant for her to find a man to marry, all he thought about was her. Coming from two families that were feuding for years, they both knew any love between them was forbidden. By carrying out deeds to win Juliet's heart, Romeo made it impossible for her not to want him. His defiance against tradition made Juliet, "Deny thy father and refuse thy name/ or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love,/ And I'll no longer be a Capulet" (2.2.36-39). Juliet was wanting to risk everything for the love she just met. She didn't want to have to listen to her family or anyone telling her not to love someone who meant so much to her. Defying her father and the rest of the Capulet family caused trouble towards the end of her life because the way that Romeo influenced her made her want to lose everything. Romeo was the one that made Juliet change so much. Before she met him, she didn't want love, she always followed her parents, and she never thought to defy everyone. After Romeo was put into her life, she wouldn't stop until she got what she wanted. When Juliet found out she had to marry Paris, her rebellious ways made it an easy decision to not marry him. And as Juliet and Romeo take their lives because they cannot have each other, all their risky efforts turn out to be for nothing. Romeo was able to convince her that their love was everything to him and that no one could stop them, but in reality, people could.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Romeo would not give up on his love with Juliet but do you think that Juliet played a part in their forbidden love as well? I really like your quote and how it ties in really well with your claim and how you summed up how Juliet really felt about their relationship.
DeleteDo you think this is what Shakespeare wanted his audience to think? While I see how you could blame Romeo, is it really his fault for falling madly in love? Both Romeo and Juliet are still teenagers, and are prone to not thinking things through before doing them. Both Romeo and Juliet were following their heart rather than mind, but it is not their fault that their feelings for each other were so strong.
DeleteI agree with that Romeo has changed Juliet a lot through out the whole story, but what if Romeo could not help but love Juliet? I really doubt that he did not think about the feud between their parents when he found out Juliet is a Capulet. He knew that the feud between their families would get in the way of this love relationship with Juliet, but Romeo is one of those stubborn lovers who won't give up his love for such a thing. You could say that he is the one to blame for this but I would also put in that he could not help it when he fell in love with Juliet.
DeleteMikayla, I think that Juliet did play an important role in their love because without her consent, the love wouldn't have gotten so immense. I believe that Romeo put more of an effort into being with her and so that makes Romeo a stronger role in why they killed themselves.
DeleteAudrey, your post made me wonder- would Juliet be happier with Paris than with Romeo? Even though it would have made her parents happy, it seemed like Juliet never had any feelings for him, even before she met Romeo. Looks like we will never know...
DeleteAngela, I think Shakespeare wanted everyone to see the effects of forbidden love on the ones in love. Even though they may be young, both Romeo and Juliet have experienced love in some way before. No one can stop their heart for feeling things towards others, I think that the idea of not being able to love someone gave Romeo more of an incentive to win her. Overall, Romeo and Juliet couldn't have stopped their feelings, but I feel that it is his extreme efforts that make it Romeo's fault.
DeleteI agree that pressure from the family caused tension which lead to them killing themselves. But why do you think she would rather die then spend time alone with marrying Paris?
DeleteAlthough it argueable to say that Romeo is more to blame, I believe that it is both Romeo and Juliet's faults. Do you believe that it was still Juliet's fault to kill herself, even though she was blinded by her love for Romeo?
DeleteOverall, it is the fault of Tybalt for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. Twice, he instigates conflict between Romeo and Juliet's family, further alienating one from another and reducing the chances of their successful marriage. The climax of this sabotage of peace happens when he fights a duel with Mercutio. He threatens Romeo for simply visiting his uncle's party, saying "Boy, this does not excuse the injuries that thou has done upon me. Therefore turn in draw" (3.1, 68-69). This leads Mercutio to make the fatal mistake of trying to defend Romeo, after which Romeo has to kill Tybalt in revenge. This then causes the Prince to banish Romeo, shattering his and Juliet's dreams of marriage, and leading them to take their lives. If Tybalt hadn't been so eager for conflict, peace could slowly draw upon the Capulets and Montagues. And if our two star-crossed lovers would have married, the two families would be drawn even closer together, sealing the deal of a long, peaceful friendship. Instead, Tybalt drove the families on to more and more conflict, forcing the Prince to make the decision that made Romeo and Juliet kill themselves. This is why Tybalt is to blame for causing the problems that led to the desperate suicide of Romeo and Juliet.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Tybalt makes the whole situation worse with his violent nature, but I also think that the Capulets and Montagues would find something to fight about even without Tybalt
DeleteI think that it was very interesting to point out Tybalt as the cause of their death. He wasn't around for too much of the story, yet he was one who caused major problems. Do you think that if Tybalt wasn't killed by Romeo, that there would be less of a conflict between Juliet's love for Romeo and her love to her dead cousin?
DeleteI would have to agree with Simon's comment. I do believe if Romeo and Juliet were wed together and Tybalt never played a role in this story, relations between the two families would be a lot smoother, but it was stated that the feud between the two families dated back to a time where nobody even remembers what happened, leading the two families to fight whenever possible to gain the upper hand on each other.
DeleteI agree with you that Tybalt had a part in the death of Romeo and Juliet, but I also think that the feud between the two families would have stopped them from marrying anyway. I believe the reason why Tybalt was so eager to fight was because Romeo went to the Capulet party, which is bad only because of the feud between the two families.
DeleteI do agree that Tybalt made the whole situation worse with his aggressive behavior, but if the Capulets would have calmed him down and brought him to his senses he would have not been such a big problem with all of this.
DeleteI agree with what Simon said, do yo really think that the feud between the two families would have been resolved by itself? It took the DEATHS of their children for them to finally make peace, how do you think the conflict would just go away? Tybalt is only acting upon his instincts, because that's what the Capulet family has instilled into him.
DeleteIsabel, yes, your suggestion would have been preferable and would give the story a happier ending. But, Tybalt comes across as the independent type who probably would not obey Lord and Lady Capulet in the sense you suggest. However, your comment made me realize that the only way to stop Tybalt (as portrayed in the actual play) was to kill him. Therefore, it may actually be the Prince's fault for Romeo and Juliet's death because he did not analyze the situation well enough and administered a punishment that was not deserved. I find this quite odd because as Mercutio was his cousin, I thought the Prince would take Romeo's side.
DeleteThe feud between the Montegues and the Capulets is the most to blame for the death of Romeo and Juliet. There is a known argument between the Montegues and the Capulets in Romeo and Juliet's village that is very strong. It is a sin for and Montegue to have contact of any kind with a Capulet and vice versa. When Romeo, a Montegue, is in search of his true love at the time a Capulet, Rosaline, he decides to go to a Capulet party where Rosaline is attending. Since this would be against the family rules, Romeo has to sneak into this party. When a Capulet, Tybalt, spots Romeo at the party he says, "Uncle, this is a Montegue, our foe,/a villain that is hither come in spite/to scorn at our solemnity this night" (Act 1 Scene 5 Lines 69-71). When Romeo sees Juliet at this party and instantly falls in love with her, they know their love is against their families' feud. The Friar Lawrence would not have had to make a plan to fake Juliet's death if this family argument had not existed. Feeling the pressure of marrying Paris, Juliet had no choice but to take drastic matters to try and be with her forbidden love, Romeo. If the Montegues and Capulets did not have these arguments, then Romeo and Juliet would not have taken their lives for each other.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your point about how Friar Lawrence is not blame at all in the death of Romeo and Juliet. He was only trying to help them, and if not for the feud between the families he would not have to had put his risky plan into action.
DeleteMikayla, if Tybalt had not been so caught up on Romeo trespassing during the Capulet party, do you think that their deaths would have been avoided?
DeleteBoth the Capulet family and the Montague family are responsible for their childrens' death. The feud between the families and their inability to resolve the conflict ultimately results in the death of their heirs. After both families have discovered their children have killed themselves in the Capulet's family tomb, a regretful Montague states, "O brother Montague, give me thy hand/This is my daughter's jointure, for no more/ Can I demand" (5.3 306-308). The fact that it takes both of their childrens' deaths for the two families to declare a truce, shows how strong the hatred between them was. In fact, Capulet calls their truce a "jointure", which is the present given to the bride by the groom's family. While this may be too little, too late, this illustrates how responsible the parents feel for Romeo and Juliet's death.Their parents' behavior influences,and justifies, the extreme measures both Romeo and Juliet went to stay together. Ultimately, the lovers would have rather die than have their families tear them apart. If the Capulets and the Montagues had listened to the Prince and resolved their superficial family feud, surely both Romeo and Juliet's lives would have been spared.
ReplyDeleteI really like how thoroughly you analyzed the quote. By breaking down the quote into smaller segments, you made a strong argument. Do you think that this jointure will last in the generations after the guilt-struck parents of Romeo and Juliet have passed away?
DeleteI definitely agree with you on the fact that both families are to blame for the death of their respective characters, Romeo and Juliet. The analysis really delved into the ideas of the quote, and I like how you made an original connotation to how the parents feel. However, perhaps you could delve more into more specific characters. If there was one character from each family, who you feel would be the main reason for Romeo and Juliet's demise?
DeleteYou did a good job with your argument. I agree with how you pointed out that everything would have ended up better if the Capulets and Montagues had settles down their disputes. On the other hand, I don't think that necessarily makes them to blame for their children's deaths. I think it would not be that simple to resolve their "superficial family feud." They lived during a time where their family's pride was very important, and it would be very hard to surrender and admit equality to another family who you have opposed for generations.
DeleteAngela, the quote you used to support your argument fit very well and it looks as if you were able to add context very easily. I like how at the end of your claim, you mentioned that if the Capulet's and the Montague's had listened to the Prince, none of this would have ever happened, but what do you think it would've taken, other than the couples death for them to overcome the feud they had?
DeleteNicole, I do think that the truce between the two families will last, out of fear on both ends as something as tragic as what happened with Romeo and Juliet, will happen again.
DeleteDerek, technically I think Lord Capulet is the "most" to blame, because he is the one who moved up the wedding which messed the timing of everything up. However, Tybalt killing Mercutio is what led to Romeo killing Tybalt, which is what led to Romeo being banished, which is what ultimately led to Juliet having to fake her death.
DeleteFlorian, yes their pride was very important, but do you think it was important enough to lose their only children over?
DeleteRomeo is the character who is most to blame for Romeo and Juliet's deaths. Romeo is from the Montegue family, long-time rivals of the Capulets. He is seen by his friends and family members as careless, love-sick, and quick to act. In the beginning of the story, he has fallen head-over-heels in love with a girl named Rosaline, who can never return his affections. His friend Benvolio successfully transfers his affections to someone else by talking him in to attending a party hosted by the Capulets. The problem is that Juliet is the daughter of Lord Capulet, Romeo's natural enemy. Someone more sensible would have moved on after the party, knowing of the dangers that such a relationship could bring. However, Romeo is convinced that he has found true love, and refuses to leave. He says to Juliet, "My name dear saint, is an enemy to myself, because it is an enemy to thee," (73). Romeo is too blinded by his affections to realize what a treacherous situation he has placed himself in. He is instantly willing to disgrace his own family, just to please Juliet. By shoving aside his birthright, Romeo has proved to be too quick to brush aside his very lifestyle, which could be punishable by death. Romeo cares not for the law or for his family, but only for his own selfish desires, and this will prove to lead to his and Juliet's downfalls. Later on in the story, Romeo proves to he an "enemy to (himself)" and to Juliet when he murders himself at Juliet's grave. He convinces himself that he has nothing more to live for, completely disregarding his loving and accepting friends. When Juliet wakes up, she sees no alternative but to end her life the way that her lover did. Had Romeo been more able to control his reckless instincts, he could have saved the lives of both himself and Juliet.
ReplyDeleteI really liked how you supported your claim very well with your quote and how you explain the steps in detail leading up to Romeo and Juliet's death. When you say that Romeo's behavior was in his instincts where do you think Romeo got those instincts from?
DeleteThe feud between the Capulets and the Montagues is the most to blame for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. After Romeo and Juliet have both killed themselves, the Prince is there with Romeo's letter given to him. Lord and Lady Capulet were there along side with Lord Montague as to see what has happened to their children from the news given to them. The Prince then realizes who was to blame for this tragedy and says to all of them, " ...Where be these enemies?-- Capulet, Montague,/See what a scourge is laid upon your hate, /That heaven finds means to kill your joys with love, /And I, for winking at your discords too,/Have lost a brace of kinsmen. All are punished" (5.3 301-305). The Prince bluntly says that is all because of the feud between the Capulets and Montagues that these two lovers have taken their lives. To make it even worse for the two families, they were left to blame for even the death of Paris too. The death of Romeo and Juliet has impacted a lot of the characters in the story and now their two families are left guilty with this tragic ending. If there was no feud to start with, there would have not been any deaths at all in the story! There was so much confusion and unnecessary deaths in the story and it all put Romeo and Juliet both into an uncomfortable position of loving each other. There would have been a happy ending for them all if the families got along or at least forgave each other in the beginning of the story.
ReplyDeleteThe letter found after the deaths of the lovers was a great point to bring up. It showed that they were both in love until the minute they died. Do you think that if Romeo hadn't written the letter, that the blame would have been set on someone else? The letter gave both families a sense of everything that had happened and without it, it may have not settle their feuds.
DeleteI agree with you that the main cause for their death was the feud. The restriction lead them to feel that there was no other way of being together with killing themselves. But do you think their actions played a role in their death as well?
DeleteFriar Lawrence is most to blame for the death of Romeo and Juliet. He gives Juliet a vial of sleeping drugs and tells her to drink it at the night of her wedding. Friar Lawrence doesn't see that anything can go wrong even when Juliet is faking her own death. He says he would "send a friar with speed to Mantua with my letter to thy lord"(4.1.125-126) One can infer from this quote that he has not checked all the latest news and made sure that the letter would get to Romeo. There was a disease in the city so the friar did not deliver the letter. Friar Lawrence should have realized there were too many things that can go wrong. The potion could have killed her or the families could have figured out the plan. This plan was just too outrageous for it to work as planned. Friar Lawrence should have been smarter when formulating a plan; he is supposed to be wise and have life experience. His plan failed which in turn killed both Romeo and Juliet.
ReplyDeleteFriar Lawrence asked her before he gave her the poison, warning her how dangerous this could be. Friar Lawrence went out of his way to help Juliet when he had no responsibility to do so at all.
DeleteI agree with you that the Friar was a more direct cause of their deaths, but also think that he was in a difficult situation to begin with. Both Romeo and Juliet were willing to throw their lives away for each other, and both came to him with their problems. What do you think the Friar should have done differently?
DeleteI agree with Nathan on the fact that Friar Lawrence told Juliet all of the consequences if she was to go with the plan of faking her death with the sleeping drug. This puts Juliet more into the position of being blamed for her and Romeo's death if that's the case.
DeleteI agree with Nicole, Friar Lawrence may have been a direct cause of their deaths, but he had little options and his plan was for the best. I don't think it is fair to put all the blame on him because of a tiny mistake that he did not intend to happen and unexpectedly happened. If the plan did work, everything would have been solved and no one would have died. The mishap that happened was an accident, and thus it is not fair to put the blame on Friar Lawrence for an accident, even though his plan was pretty risky.
DeleteThe Montague and Capulet families are the ones to blame for the death of Romeo and Juliet. Benvolio urges Romeo to go to the party to find a different girl to love than Rosaline. When Romeo goes to the Capulet party after helping the clown, he finds a girl that he loves greater than Rosaline. As the party ends, Romeo asks Nurse who Juliet's mother is. To Romeo's disappointment, she is a Capulet, "Is she a Capulet?/ O Dear account! My life is my foes death" (1.5.130-132). The feud between these two families makes Romeo and Juliet have to live their lives in secrecy. On the day that Juliet is supposed to marry Paris, she instead drinks poison rather than marry Paris. The poison doesn't kill Juliet, but everybody thinks that it has. When Romeo hears this, he kills Paris and then kills himself on her would-be deathbed. Juliet wakes from her poison induced coma to find that her lover has killed himself right next to her. She takes a knife and then kills herself with it. The death of Romeo and Juliet could have been avoided if the feud between the Montague and the Capulet families did not exist.
ReplyDeleteRomeo is the most to blame for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. Romeo has been heartsick about Rosaline for awhile and he is advised to go to a party in order to take his mind off her. After the party which was meant to let Juliet find a suitable husband, Romeo has already moved on and he is now in an orchard lovesick once again, "Can I go forward when my heart is here? Turn back, dull earth, and find thy centre out."(2.1.794-796) Romeo falls in love too quickly and he believes his feelings are more important than those of Juliet's and his own families.He knew how risky it is being in love with a girl from the Capulet family which his own kind hated him, and he still went through with it. He doesn't listen to the advice of Friar Lawrence,a wise man with much to say, and he doesn't understand the consequences of what will happen after he takes the poison.
ReplyDeleteIn the Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare, the most to blame for the couples death is the couples themselves. These two lovers are star-crossed with fate, though they are unable to live happily together due to the hatred between both of their families. As a result of this, they go through great lengths to prove their love for each other, with actions such as jumping into relationships blindly, rushing into marriages, and ultimately killing themselves so they could finally lay to rest happily together. In act 5, scene 3, the scene where Romeo is mistaken to believe that Juliet is actually dead, leading him to kill himself and later the same fate for Juliet, it is apparent that the couples haste for "true love" take each other over and ultimately end their lives. Shortly after Juliet realizes that Romeo had killed himself in spite of her, she decides to take his dagger and kill herself with it to lie herself to rest with her beloved Romeo. In this quote, "O, happy dagger, This is thy sheath. There rust, and let me die", Juliet calls the dagger she kills herself with a "happy dagger" as a result of being the dagger to finally end the feud between their families with their deaths, as well as it being the dagger to lie her to rest with her true love. This quote supports the fact that the main cause of the couples death were themselves all along, due to the haste to find true love.
ReplyDeleteI see what you are saying about putting the blame on Romeo and Juliet. I really liked how you argued that, and you did a good job doing so. You do have a good point; Romeo and Juliet loved each other so much that they killed themselves for each other. I do have one question, do you really think that Romeo and Juliet jumped into their relationship blindly? I think they put some thought into it and did realize the consequences of their relationship, thus making it not "blind"...
DeleteI do get where you are coming from Florian, however in the sake of the speed they were moving at, already wanting to marry after such little time, I do believe they rushed into that relationship blindly. If they hadn't jumped into a marriage date so quickly, I wouldn't be so inclined to think their relationship was rushed, either.
DeleteFriar Lawrence is the most to blame for Romeo and Juliet's death. When Juliet is imposed upon the marriage of Paris by her parents, she seeks help from the Friar. However, the plan that the Friar devises to avoid marriage with Paris and instead with Romeo ends up in failure, causing both Romeo and Juliet to kill themselves in extreme anguish. When the Prince, Capulets, and Montagues come to the scene, the Friar even explains to them that "...if aught in this/ Miscarried by my fault, let my old life/ Be sacrificed some hour before his time/ Unto the rigor of severest law" (5.3.275-278). Friar Lawrence openly admits, in his closing statement, that their deaths were "miscarried by [his] own fault." If Friar Lawrence had not intervened with Juliet's parents' wishes, then both Juliet and Romeo's lives would have been spared. Being the character of wisdom in the story, he should have been able to guide them to some sort of success, not death. The moment that the Friar decided to give Juliet ideas for deception (which caused deep despair among all of those she knew) foreshadows the young couple's demise. He even states that the punishment of such a crime must be of "the rigor of severest law," showing that he, and everyone else, realizes the magnitude of his actions. Friar Lawrence's intents for the good of both Romeo and Juliet are justified, but the consequences of his plan's failure are absolutely unforgettable.
ReplyDeleteI agree that both Romeo and Juliets lives would have been saved. but would they really want to live their lives away from each other? They died for each other so they clearly would not want to be separated
DeleteI do agree with Friar Lawrence being blamed for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, but I would not say that he is the most to blame for it all. It is not like he started all of this in the first place. He was actually more dragged into this problem than the one to cause it all.
DeleteI agree that Friar Lawrence is somewhat to blame for this event, but have you thought about how Lord Capulet changing the date would affect the Friar's plan?
DeleteTybalt is most to blame for the death of both Romeo and Juliet. After telling Lord Capulet that he saw Romeo at the party, Lord Capulet tells him to settle down, and keep peace. Then, Tybalt swears to take revenge on Romeo and get back at him. Later, Tybalt runs into Mercutio and Benvolio and starts an argument, wanting to get even with Romeo. Upon Romeo's arrival at the scene, Tybalt become reckless and does everything he can to start a fight. He tells Romeo, "Boy, this shall not excuse the injuries/ That thou hast done me. Therefore turn and draw," (3.1.67-68). The quote shows how obsessed Tybalt is with the idea of getting revenge on Romeo, and is trying to force him into a fight. Tybalt is being very aggressive and is wanting to initiate a fight between the families, for little reason. Mercutio, defending Romeo, engages in combat with Tybalt and ends up dying. Tybalt could not care less. Seeing this, Romeo attacks Tybalt and kills him. Is this what Tybalt wanted to happen when he started the quarrel? Did he not realize his life would be in danger? When the Prince found out about the slaughters, he decided to banish Romeo from the streets of Verona. This banishment would eventually lead to the suicides of both Romeo and Juliet. None of it would have happened if Tybalt did not blindly start a deadly fight. Even though he did kill Mercutio and banish Romeo, it was not worth it to loose his life, and leave his family in grief. The two families were both left in grief after all the deaths, but none of it would have happened without Tybalt.
ReplyDeleteFlorian, do you think that perhaps if Tybalt did not have such aggressive demeanor, as you explained, to the Montagues, would someone else instead create tension between the families (and ultimately lead to Romeo and Juliet's death)? If so, who do you think would be the next catalyst?
DeleteI really like that you are arguing for Tybalt; it goes beyond the obvious. You backed it up with strong evidence and included thought-provoking questions. How would you answer those questions? Do you think the combat is just a result of Tybalt's reckless nature, or do you think there is another reason?
DeleteAlthough the event that you use is vague compared to the ending, I completely agree that Tybalt's actions do eventually lead to Romeo and Juliet's deaths. Romeo would never have to be in hiding and would not have been banished if Tybalt did not hold that grudge against Romeo.
DeleteExcellent argument. Its like you read my mind! Derek, what I think Florian is trying to say is that Tybalt WAS the person creating conflict (along with the stupid servants). If not for them, the conflict between the families would remain buried and forgotten. Remember, it was the servants and Tybalt that relit the fires of hared in the beginning of the play.
DeleteIn Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare, Lord Capulet is most to blame for Romeo and Juliet's deaths. He forces Juliet to marry Paris and would not take no for an answer. When Juliet is in possession of the poison she obtained from Friar Lawrence, she apologizes to Lord Capulet for her rude behavior. This puts Capulet in a good mood where he then moves the wedding to the next day instead of on that Thursday. "Send for the County. Go tell him of this./ I'll have this knot knit up tomorrow morning" (4.2.24-25). The fact that the wedding is moved throws off everything forcing Juliet to take the poison early. It would also be more difficult for Friar Lawrence's letter to inform Romeo of Juliet's plan. Because of this, Romeo would not know that Juliet is alive and not dead. This would eventually cause Romeo to die next to Juliet via his poison all thanks to Lord Capulet. Lord Capulet changing the date of the wedding ruined Friar Lawrence and Juliet's plan. Without Lord Capulet, Romeo would have been informed of the plan and would have lived happily with Juliet rather than slaying himself.
ReplyDeleteThat is interesting insight you bring to the table, saying how Lord Capulet moving the wedding is a key part in their deaths. Lord Capulet deserves some slack though because it has been his desire to marry off Juliet for a while and when the occasion arises he is a bit too eager to get it over with.
DeleteI like how you are taking a different side than most people. However, isn't it true that Lord Capulet did not even know about Juliet's love for Romeo? do you believe that if Romeo and Juliet had told their parents that they wanted to be married, that things could have worked out differently for them?
DeleteWithout lord Capulet the friar would still not be able to get to Romeo because the disease would still be in the city>
DeleteMax, perhaps Lord Capulet was merely doing his best to make sure his daughter, Juliet, had a successful life. If you think about it, maybe it was Juliet's fault for her own death because she defied her father who had the best of intentions for herself.
DeleteI believe that the most to blame for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, are Romeo and Juliet themselves. One cannot blame another person for the suicide of someone else. However, there could have been comments or actions by family and friends that may have triggered them. I agree that most of the people the people around Romeo and Juliet that didn’t agree with their relationship were sort of the reason as to why Juliet faked her death, but no one is at fault for their own deaths but them. Romeo is responsible for his death, and Juliet is responsible for her death. When Juliet says, “O, happy dagger,/ This is thy sheath. There rust, and let me die” it shows that she herself chose to die. Unless it was against their will, or someone murdered them, it isn't fair for someone who never physically forced them to kill themselves to be blamed.
ReplyDeleteThe death of Romeo and Juliet was brought on by themselves. From warring families, Romeo and Juliet both are born to hate each other, but have fallen in love with each other. Persuaded by their love, they go to extreme lengths to be together. After the news of Juliet's fake death to get out of marring Paris, unaware Romeo is enraged and finds himself trying to commit suicide to be closer to Juliet. At the apothecary Romeo admits in his insane behavior by buying poison and says,"I sell thee poison; thou hast sold me none. Farewell, buy food, and get thyself in flesh...To Juliet's grave, for there must I use thee"(5,2,88-91). Romeo has just bought poison to kill himself in order to be with Juliet. He even recognizes his dangerous act that leads to his death when he lies saying "thou hast sold me none". His impatient attitude and insane mind prevents him from waiting time before Juliet will wake up. Romeo states "To Juliet's grave, I must use thee" showing that he has lost his mind, and the only thing that can stop him is himself. At the end, it is Romeo's and Juliet's mad love that brings their death as Romeo ends up killing himself, and Juliet in her grief does the same.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that it is there own faults, but what if the roles of Juliet and Romeo were switched, do you think Juliet would do the same for Romeo?
DeleteRomeo and Juliet are the ones responsible for their own deaths. The two members of rival families find themselves in love when they meet at a pary. After a secret marriage, things do not work out in their favor, leaving Romeo banished from the city for killing Juliet's cousin Tybalt, and Juliet's parents are forcing her to marry a man named Count Paris. Juliet takes matters into her own hands, deciding to fake her own death in order to be with they one she loves. However, Romeo receives a different message leading him to believe that Juliet is actually dead. He sees Juliet at her tomb and kills himself stating, "Here's to my love...O true apothecary. They drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss a die (5.3 119-120)". Upon waking and seeing Romeo dead, Juliet exclaims, "O, happy dagger, This is thy sheath. There rust, and let me die (5.3 174-175)", and stabs herself. Both Romeo and Juliet take their own lives, leaving nobody else responsible for their deaths. Although, other people can be blamed, like their parents (especially the Capulets), for causing them so much misery or Friar John for being unable to deliver the correct message, in the end, it was Romeo and Juliet's final choice to commit suicide. If Romeo had not killed Tybalt he would not have been banished. If Romeo had not killed himself, he and Juliet would have had a happy life together, and even with Romeo dead, Juliet still had the choice to keep living her life. Both Romeo and Juliet found themselves so attached to each other, after only spending a few days together. In fact, none of them even asked their parents if they could marry the ones that they loved,and instead decided to get married after only speaking to each other twice. Both were blinded by love, leading them to make rash decisions with poor judgement. It is Romeo and Juliet's fault for taking their own lives.
ReplyDeleteRomeo and Juliet are to blame for their death. Romeo arrives the tomb which he swords fight with Paris. He lays down Paris in the tomb of the Capulets.Romeo is in the tomb talking to Juliet about his love with her. Juliet is faking her death so she does not marry Paris. Romeo did not get the message sent from the priest Friar Lawrence. Romeo said to Juliet"Here's to my love.O true apothecary, Thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die"(5.3,119-120). Romeo drink's a poison to kill himself to die with Juliet. Friar Lawrence walk into the tomb seeing Romeo is dead aside Juliet stone. Juliet arise from her fake death. Friar Lawrence make sure she does not see Romeo dead. Juliet see's that Romeo is dead and Friar Lawrence run's away after hearing noise from outside of the tomb. Juliet decide to kill herself by drinking the poison. The poison did not work on Juliet. Juliet said"O, happy dagger, This is thy sheath. There rust, and let me die"(5.3,174-175). These two quote's from Romeo and Juliet show they both kill each other it was their own choice. I understand that Juliet did not want to marry County Paris but there are other ways of not marrying him like talking her parents or running away with Romeo. If Juliet and Romeo are able to run away together this death of both of them would not had happen in the first place.
ReplyDeleteThe person to blame for Romeo and Juliet's death is not them but Friar Lawrence because he is the one who faked Juliet's death. If Friar Lawrence had not given Juliet the poison to fake her death, no one would have died or committed suicide. When Friar Lawrence gives Juliet the vial of poison he says, " If thou hast the strength of will to slay thyself,/ Then it is likely thou wilt undertake/ A thing like death to chide away this shame,/ That cop'st with death himself to 'scape from it;/ and if thou darest, I'll give thee remedy (4.1.75). If Friar Lawrence told Romeo about what Juliet was doing before she faked her death it wouldn't be his fault if people died, but the fact that he didn't tell Romeo makes it completely his fault and makes him at fault for their deaths.
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