Romeo's Recklessness - Essay

In the tragedy Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, Romeo faces many challenges throughout the book. This book is about 2 feuding families and how 2 lovers resolve the family’s argument and dispute through their own sacrifice. Romeo’s weakness has caused the tragedy of the book, because he didn’t choose the right path. If Romeo wasn’t as reckless, the deaths of many could have been prevented and Romeo and Juliet could have been together without any mishaps.

On Act 3 Scene 1 L126-135, Romeo is very temperamental and is driven by revenge. “Alive in triumph, and Mercutio slain!  Away to heaven, respective lenity,  And fire-eyed fury be my conduct now.-…..”  He does not think of the consequences before acting. Seeking vengeance for his fallen friend Mercutio , he acts hasty. Conquered by evil feelings Romeo steps into battle with Tybalt and ends up slaying him. Since he didn’t think through all the options, the prince (leader) was committed to banish Romeo from Verona.

During Act 2, after the Capulet’s masquerade, Romeo acts foolish and sneaks up to Juliet’s balcony even though he knows the consequences if he gets caught. The situations between the 2 families are already very delicate, and him getting caught sneaking around could have made the situation a whole lot worse. Instead of taking the risk, he could have dealt with the manner in a more mature way.

Once again Romeo acts reckless on Act 5 Scene 3. When learning that his wife has died, Romeo foolishly goes to the Capulet’s burial grounds. “Come, bitter conduct, come, unsavory guide!  Thou desperate pilot, now at once run on- The Dashing rocks thy seasick weary bark!  Here’s to my love.  O true apothecary, Thy drugs are quick.  Thus with a kiss I die.”  If Romeo hadn’t gone and killed himself along with Paris who is also deeply in love with Juliet and waited just a bit longer… Romeo and Juliet could have lived together. They could have led a peaceful and prosperous life.

            I can somewhat relate to Romeo, because there are times that I have been really angry towards my family and friends which I regret later. However I never go as far as Romeo and leave the option to be forgiven which in this case, Romeo can’t. I feel like that it is important to control ones anger, and not make bad decisions especially when you’re pissed off. Sometimes you take actions you can’t take back and might even regret it for the rest of your life….