Capulets and Montagues to Blame for Romeo and Juliet’s Death The names Romeo and Juliet are known as the symbol of tragic lovers. Written in 1595 by William Shakespeare their story is recognized by almost anyone. Romeo and Juliet fell in love but could not marry because their families are in an age old feud. They marry anyway but Romeo gets banished. In order to be with him, Juliet fakes her death with the intention of sneaking away. However, Romeo did not get informed that Juliet is not really dead and kills himself out of grief. Juliet wakes up from pretending to be dead, and sees Romeo dead next to her. Juliet is so distraught she stabs herself to death with Romeo’s dagger. Although their untimely demise might seem like just a misunderstanding, there is someone guilty for pushing the young lovers to such extremes. The story of Romeo and Juliet was a tragedy and every Capulet and Montague from the start of the feud is to blame especially Lord and Lady Capulet and Montague because they perpetuate the feud and give in to social norms. If there had never been a feud between their families Romeo and Juliet would not have felt the need to hide their love. This would have avoided many problems. Tybalt might have not challenged Romeo to a sword fight if he was now his cousin’s wife. That means Mercutio would have not died and Romeo not banished. Juliet, now engaged to another man would no longer be forced to marry Paris. Lord and Lady capulet would approve because Romeo, like Paris has a high social status. Juliet would now openly be married to Romeo and would not need to “kill” herself to be with him. Both Lord and Lady Capulet and Montague obviously support the feud because during the street fight at the beginning of the book they don’t stop the brawl but rather, join it (Shakespeare 15). In fact, Capulet even says “ Old Montague is come and flourishes his blade” Montague replies “ Thou villain Capulet” (1.1. 80-85). as they start to fight. This dialogue shows the violence and bitterness between the two houses. Because of Mercutio and Tybalt’s readiness to fight we know they have been trained from am early age to defend their honor and their house. Romeo also displays this training when he avenges Mercutio's death on page 125. Romeo could not let the Capulets win. Like many noble families of the day, honor and reputation was of utmost importance. Society in Romeo and Juliet plays a large role in their decisions. Like today, kids feel a (maybe unintentional) pressure to conform to their parents beliefs. This is how social norms are created. Many beliefs mainly about women are different today than in the 1500’s. Shakespeare writing demonstrates the beliefs of his day. However, even common beliefs do not justify some of the Lord and Lady Capulet and Montegue’s behavior. Juliet's parent forced her to consent to marry Paris. At first they wanted to give her a say (1.3. 70-95) but then revert to the more common opinion, finding a man of the highest social status they can and demand that their daughter marry him. Lord Capulet is scene yelling at his daughter that “ she does not give us thanks” (3.5. 145-150). It was expected for children especially girls to do whatever their fathers say. Lord Capulet even says “ I think she will be ruled in all respect to me.” (3.5. 15). This demonstrates how Lord Capulet is secure in the belief that Juliet will do whatever he says. This was the common belief. If Lord Capulet had decided to value his daughter opinion more and not follow the social norm Juliet might have been brave enough to tell him she loves Romeo. If Capulet was more accepting of new ideas it is likely he would value his daughter happiness over increased social status. Capulet would then let Juliet be with Romeo which would avoid their deaths. Romeo, did not have as serious of a problem than Juliet. Being a man, his parents had less say over who he married especially because he was over the age of consent. The age of consent was normally 21. If a man was under the age of consent his father had to approve his marriage or it was not legal to go through with it. Romeo, commonly believed to be 18 to 23 was sometimes over the age of consent. However, that does not mean his parents have no say in his behavior. Like Juliet, he grew up knowing his duty to his family and learning that that was his utmost importance. It is probable that Lord and Lady Montague place pressure on Romeo to choose a girl of a higher social status than theirs. In addition, the feud had been going on for so long that Romeo’s parents would believe a Capulet girl was entirely unsuitable. Being the Montague heir ( no older siblings of his are mentioned so it is safe to assume that Romeo is the eldest and heir.) additional pressure would be given for him to be a “positive” representation of his family and to flaunt their power. Romeo stopping the feud, which had become part of everyday life, would have been seen as a weakness and an embarrassment to his family. When Romeo is desperately trying to tell Tybalt and Mercutio to stop fighting by saying “Gentlemen, for shame forbear this outrage! Tybalt! Mercutio!” (3.1. 85-90). However neither listen. To stop a fight in the middle would be considered cowardly. Tybalt nor Mercutio was willing to sacrifice their honor for their life. That is one of the reasons why Romeo had to fight Tybalt. If he did not, his family would be thought of as weak, even though Romeo knew that fighting was not allowed. Since the fight got Romeo and banished and made Romeo farther away which complicated getting a letter to him, Romeo and Juliet's death could be the Lord and Lady Montegue’s fault. If Romeo had not been banished protecting this family's “honor” then Friar Lawrence would have been able to convey the plan to him more easily preventing the misundering which lead to Romeo’s suicide. It is a natural human instinct to try to survive which is why someone must get desperate to decide to commit suicide. No one can feel that helpless without the effects of another person. Romeo and Juliet were affected by their parents with their desire to perpetuate the feud and fit into to the social expectations. If Lord and Lady Capulet and Montague were free thinkers then Romeo and Juliet's love would have been more accepted like today. In our modern world matches of any kind are widely accepted. If they could be together without persecution then Romeo and Juliet’s tragic end could have been avoided.
Works Cited Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. New York: Washington Square, 1992. Print. "Elizabethan Wedding Customs." William Shakespeare Info. N.p., n.d. Web.