High School

Of the characters in the play "Romeo and Juliet," who is most to blame for the conclusion? Why?

Answer :

The conclusion of Romeo and Juliet can be attributed to the misguided actions of Friar Laurence and the destructive feud between the Capulets and Montagues, illustrating a critique of societal norms and the dire consequences of hate and rigid expectations.

Of the characters in Romeo and Juliet, it is difficult to assign blame for the conclusion to just one individual, as the tragedy results from a complex web of decisions and societal norms. However, one may argue that Friar Laurence's well-intended but misguided actions play a significant role. His plan for Juliet to feign death leads to a tragic series of misunderstandings. Furthermore, the ancient feud between the Capulets and Montagues creates an environment where the young lovers' relationship is doomed from the start. This strife amplifies the rash decisions made by Romeo and Juliet, and hence, the families could also be seen as culprits.

Shakespeare uses the play to critique the norms of society, illustrating how the young lovers' rebellion against their parents and tradition is crushed under the weight of parental authority and social expectation. The tragedy of the concluding events reflects the catastrophic impact of hate and the stifling pressures of obedience and conformity.