Romeo and Juliet: How The Family Feud Drives The Lovers' Actions

William Shakespeare's tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, presents a tale of forbidden love and the tragic consequences that arise from a long-standing family feud. The feud between the Capulets and the Montagues not only serves as the backdrop for the play's events but also drives the actions of the young lovers. Throughout the text, the family feud influences Romeo and Juliet's decisions, leading them down a path of secrecy, impulsiveness, and ultimately, their untimely demise. By exploring the ways in which the family feud shapes the lovers' actions, we can gain a deeper understanding of the tragic nature of their story.

The Influence of Secrecy

One way in which the family feud drives the lovers' actions is through the necessity of secrecy. Due to the ongoing conflict between their families, Romeo and Juliet are forced to keep their love hidden from the world. This secrecy impacts their behavior and decision-making throughout the play. For instance, when they first meet at the Capulet's party, Juliet says, "My only love sprung from my only hate!" (1.5.152). This line not only highlights the irony of their situation but also reflects the weight of their family's feud on their actions. The need for secrecy leads them to make impulsive choices, such as their hasty marriage, which ultimately contributes to their downfall.

Furthermore, the family feud drives Romeo and Juliet to extreme measures to maintain their relationship in secret. When Romeo is banished from Verona after killing Tybalt, Juliet is faced with the prospect of being forcibly married to Paris by her parents. In desperation, she seeks help from Friar Lawrence, who devises a plan for her to fake her own death. This plan, however, proves to be disastrous, as miscommunication leads Romeo to believe that Juliet is truly dead, prompting him to take his own life. The secrecy forced upon them by the family feud ultimately leads to tragedy.

The Role of Impulsiveness

In addition to secrecy, the family feud also drives Romeo and Juliet to act impulsively. The intensity of their love for each other, fueled by the forbidden nature of their relationship, pushes them to make impulsive decisions without considering the consequences. For instance, when Romeo learns of Juliet's "death," he declares, "Then I defy you, stars!" (5.1.24). This impulsive declaration highlights the extent to which the family feud drives Romeo's actions, as he is willing to defy fate itself to be with Juliet.

Similarly, Juliet's impulsive nature is evident when she decides to take the sleeping potion given to her by Friar Lawrence. In her desperation to avoid marrying Paris, she disregards the potential risks and consequences of the plan. She says, "Give me, give me! O, tell not me of fear!" (4.1.119). This impulsive decision, driven by her desire to be with Romeo, leads to a chain of events that ultimately results in tragedy.

The Tragic Consequences

The actions driven by the family feud ultimately lead Romeo and Juliet to their tragic end. The deaths of the young lovers serve as a stark reminder of the destructive power of the family feud and the consequences of their own impulsive actions. Shakespeare uses their untimely demise to explore themes of love, fate, and the inevitability of tragedy.

Despite the tragic outcome, Romeo and Juliet's story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the destructive nature of feuds and the importance of reconciliation. The family feud not only drives the lovers' actions but also contributes to a larger commentary on the detrimental effects of hatred and division within society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the family feud in Romeo and Juliet plays a significant role in driving the actions of the young lovers. The necessity of secrecy and the impulsiveness resulting from the forbidden nature of their relationship lead Romeo and Juliet down a path of tragedy. The family feud not only influences their decisions but also shapes the overall narrative of the play, serving as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of hatred and division. By examining the ways in which the family feud drives the lovers' actions, we gain a deeper understanding of the tragic nature of their story and its broader implications.

Bibliography:

Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. Edited by G. Blakemore Evans, The Riverside Shakespeare, Houghton Mifflin Company, 1997.