Romeo and Juliet Responses

Q: Do you think that The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet is really a tragedy? Explain your response.

A: After reading "The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet", I do not believe that it is truly a tragedy. Yes, two young lives were ended, but they only brought it upon themselves. In my point of view, an event can only be classified as a tragedy if all close parties are equally effected. I realize that both the Montague and Capulet families were "heartbroken", but Romeo and Juliet took their own lives as their own decision. Romeo and Juliet thought it was best for them to both die together, therefore, it was not necessarily a tragedy in their eyes while committing said tragedy.

Q: Was it wise of Friar Lawrence to give the potion to Juliet? Why or why not?

A: No, I do not believe it was wise at all in the action of the Friar giving Juliet the potion. Although he most likely thought that by him doing this it was best, it truly was not by any means. If he were in the right mindset, he would have easily realized that something terribly wrong could happen within this plan. The Friar should have known somewhat about the plague that disallowed the letter to be sent. And yes, the Friar supposedly knows much about potions and what not, but even in medicine today things do not always work. If the Friar truly wanted this plan to work, he would have even more so thought the entire plan itself through.

Q: Was it right for Romeo and Juliet to run off and get married? Or was it foolish? Or both? Explain your response.

A: I believe that it was very foolish on both Romeo and Juliet's part. First off, they are only thirteen. No thirteen year old is mature enough to make the decision to get married. That is not only immature, but extremely selfish. Also, if Romeo and Juliet were older, there is not reason to keep it from their families. Yes, their families are in a disagreement with each other, but if it's your real family and they care about you, they will back up you up no matter what. In reality, no two people are foolish enough to get married after knowing each other but only a few hours. Romeo and Juliet's choice to be secretly married was not only foolish, but stupid.