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Jonathan Chang Mrs. Foley Freshman English 28 May, 2013 Rash Romeo Romeo, a son of Montague, and Juliet, a daughter of Capulet, are from two separate feuding households. But through the stars and rash behaviors, they fall in love and become secretly marry. Yet because of their households feud and Juliets arranged marriage, they cannot be together. In response, Juliet fakes her death which does not bear well for Romeo. And not having received the message of Juliets faked death, Romeo finds Juliet dead and is so devastated that he kills himself. Juliet awakes only to find Romeo dead and filled with grief also takes her own life. After their death, their families, filled with grief, make peace with each other. The play Romeo and Juliet written by William Shakespeare is a Romantic tragedy that centers on the feud of two young star-crossed lovers families, whose deaths finally reconcile their feud. Romeos actions throughout the story show impulsive behavior that greatly affects the outcome of the story. Romeos impulsive behavior pushes his and Juliets relationship too quickly; if he did not, then the story would be completely different. Romeo first met Juliet at a party, and after the party, followed her home and he confessed to her. She also confessed back. The next

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morning, Romeo went to a local friar and asked him to marry them that very day. My hearts dear love is set on the fair rich Capulet but this I pray, that thou consent to marry us today. (2. 3. 60.) The friar at first disapproves, but agrees later on, hoping that their marriage would end their families fued. Romeos request to the friar shows his lack of thinking. If Romeo took his time to approach the Capulet in a more appropriate manner or talked with his own family, then the story would have ended differently. Instead Romeo rashly decides to marry Juliet secretly, the day after they met without either of their parents approval. Another major example of Romeos rash behavior is his reaction to Mercutios death. Mercutio, a friend of Romeos, dies from a sword fight with a nephew of Capulet, who is also Juliets cousin. Romeo instantly jumps at the nephew of Capulet with his sword drawn and screams That late thou gravest me; for Mercutios soul is but a little way above our heads, staying for thine to keep him company. Either thou or I, both must go with him. (3. 1. 120.) Romeo kills him in a sword fight, and after the fight Romeo is banished, which separates him and Juliet even more. Because of this incident, the Capulets hate Romeo even more, and Juliets father arranges a marriage for Juliet to try and cheer her up. If Romeo had kept his composure the sad and tragic story would have evolved very differently. Romeos impulsive behavior not only changed his fate, but also killed himself and his star-crossed lover, Juliet. After Romeo hears of Juliets death, he goes to a nearby Apothecary and asks him for poisons to kill himself with. Come hither, man let me have a dram of poison, such soon-spreeding gear that the life weary taker may fall dead (5. 1. 60). Later in the story Romeo uses the same poison to kill himself. In example as soon Romea he hears of Juliets

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death, he, without thinking of his family or friends, plans to kill himself and obtains a means to do it. If he had taken time to think rationally for even a second, he might have hesitated, visited his family first, or maybe even have paid respect to Juliets family. Any one of those actions would have changed his future immensely. Romeo however plans to kill himself with Juliet in her grave. He goes to her grave and notices that she looks alive but doesnt think about it much as he drinks the poison. Ah, dear Juliet, Why art thou yet so fair? Shall I believe that unsubstantantial Death is amorous Heres to my love! [drinks.] O true apothecary! The drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die. (5. 3. 100). Romeo dies and a few seconds later Juliet awakes from her fake death only to find Romeo dead. Horrified she kills herself with Romeos dagger. If Romeo had thought about why Juliet looked alive or even thought about his family or his friends Romeo would have found Juliet alive and both their fates would have changed if he had taken the time to think rationally. Romeo is quick to act and does not think of how his actions might affect him and the others around him, his lifes story might not have ended as quick, and he could have lived a long happy life with his new beloved wife. Romeo, a son of Montague, and Juliet, a daughter of Capulet, are from two separate feuding households, but through the stars and rash behaviors, they fall in love and become secretly married. This could have been the beginning of a cheerful Romance, but through Romeos rash decisions turn the story into a tragic Romance. Throughout the story Romeo has proves himself to be a rash and impulsive person. All of his rash decisions ultimately lead to a tragic end. If he had stopped to think the tragic ending might have turned into a beautiful conclusion.