Oh, Romeo
Who is to blame for Romeo and Juliet's death? In the drama, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, written by William Shakespeare, a series of misfortunate events occur within less than a week, resulting in the deaths of the two protagonists, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet; thus, they “buried their parents’ strife.” In the play, many, if not all, of the characters played an ultimate role in the tragedy. Romeo and Juliet's unfortunate deaths can be considered the fault of Tybalt, Lord Capulet, and the "star crossed lovers" themselves. As a starting point, Tybalt, for instance, plays a minor role, but contributed to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. Tybalt is the reason for Romeo’s banishment from the city of Verona. Unaware of Romeo’s recent marriage to Juliet, Tybalt wants to duel Romeo, not only because he loathed the Montagues, he once stated, “I hate the word (peace)/ As I hate hell, all Montagues and thee,” but also because Romeo attended the Capulet ball uninvited. Once Tybalt encountered Romeo, he insults him and labels him a “villain.” Due to Romeo’s refusal to fight, Mercutio steps in and fights Tybalt. Tybalt stabs Mercutio and fatally wounds him. This event provoked Romeo into slaying Tybalt for vengeance on behalf of Mercutio. Tybalt was insistent on keeping the Montague and Capulet rivalry going strong and was constantly looking for a fight. He never considered keeping the peace and was very hotheaded. He never considered the results of his actions. Consequently, in regards to the ruthless, notorious Tybalt and his actions, which eventually led to his death, Prince Escalus banishes Romeo from Verona, causing a major impact on the outcome of the play. Another character who contributes to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet is Lord Capulet. In the beginning of the drama, Lord Capulet declares to Count Paris, “My child is yet a stranger to the world, she hath not seen the change of fourteen years; Let two more summers wither in their pride/ ere we may think