The Consequences of Quick Decisions in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet

How does a person know that he or she is in love?  Some people claim to feel an instant spark or unique chemistry while others require time to ask questions, learn about their partner, and sort out their feelings.  In William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet, two teenagers from feuding families, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet decide they are deeply in love within minutes of meeting at a party.  They secretly marry a short time later despite increasing tension between their relatives.  Making quick judgments and decisions, especially about love, can prevent people from recognizing the potential consequences of their actions.

Blinded by infatuation, a young couple may fail to consider other romantic partners and dismiss the danger that stems from their premature relationship.  On page 61, Juliet sighs, “My only love sprung from my only hate!  Too early seen unknown, and known too late!”  Juliet makes the diction choice “my only love” to emphasize that she will consider no one but Romeo as her romantic partner, even though there are several eligible bachelors at her father’s party.  “Sprung from my only hate” suggests that Juliet realizes a union with Romeo may cause the feud between the Montagues and Capulets to escalate, yet she remains fixated on Romeo.  Juliet claims to learn about Romeo’s parentage “too late,” yet she and Romeo have only met minutes ago.  At the time that they kiss, she hasn’t even inquired about his name or relationship status.  Romeo also disdains any consequences that may accompany a union with Juliet.  In Act Two, Juliet warns Romeo twice that her family will murder him if he’s discovered on Capulet property.  “My life were better ended by their hate Than death prorogued, wanting of thy love,” insists Romeo (75).  Life is meaningless without Juliet’s love, so he might as well be murdered by the Capulets.  However, Romeo neglects to inform Juliet that he initially attends the party to pursue another girl named Rosaline, not her.  The relationship between these teenagers is solely based on physical attraction instead of personality traits and common interests.  Neither one pauses to seriously consider whether they are truly in love or how their relationship may put themselves, their families, and their friends in peril.

Although young couples may insist that their romantic relationships are no one else’s business, their rash choices have the potential to drastically alter others’ lives.  Romeo makes a last-minute decision to crash Capulet’s party in the hopes of seeing his fantasy girl Rosaline.  In Act 1, Juliet’s cousin Tybalt spits, “but this intrusion shall Now seeming sweet convert to bitter gall.”  Although the other Capulets are willing to briefly extend kindness to Romeo, Tybalt’s contrast of  “sweet” and “bitter” demonstrate how rapidly his fury and his desire for revenge have been ignited.  Soon, Tybalt challenges Romeo to a duel, but Romeo’s friend Mercutio is incurably injured instead.  To avenge his friend’s death, Romeo kills Tybalt but is banished by Verona’s Prince.  Hearing of Romeo’s exile and her father’s choice to marry her to a man named Paris, Juliet sobs to Friar Laurence in Act 4, “Do thou but call my resolution wise, And with this knife I'll help it presently. God joined my heart and Romeo's…. Be not so long to speak; I long to die.”  Juliet ignores reason.  Her mind is consumed by thoughts of Romeo and suicide.  She’s even gathered a weapon.  Not once does Juliet consider how her death might affect her parents and family?  Juliet also demands immediate guidance from Friar Laurence, which prevents him from thinking logically, too.  In Act 5, Romeo fatally stabs Paris, who attempts to block his entry to the Capulet tomb.  In addition to Romeo and Juliet’s deaths, Romeo’s mother has died of a broken heart.  “A glooming peace this morning with it brings; The sun, for sorrow, will not show his head: Go hence, to have more talk of these sad things; Some shall be pardoned, and some punished,” grieves the Prince in Act 5.  The Prince observes that a heavy price has been paid for the end of the Montague/Capulet feud.  Even nature “the sun” deviates from its usual course.  The Prince guarantees that some will be forgiven for their roles in Romeo and Juliet’s demise, but others will be disciplined  Romeo and Juliet never fretted that helpers, like Friar Laurence and the Nurse, might severely be penalized for assisting them.  

Obsessed with each other’s physical appearance, romantic partners sometimes place their lust ahead of reason.  They promptly decide that they’re in love before they have sufficient time to genuinely bond as a couple.  When confronted by obstacles, a couple may make hasty decisions that lead to an untimely demise. They jeopardize the livelihoods of their loved ones just to satisfy their desire to be together.  Instead of viewing Romeo and Juliet’s relationship as the model of true love, take time to research real-life romance stories in which partners build trust and respect over time.  Learn how to tackle obstacles productively with a romantic partner instead of making rash judgments and life-altering mistakes.