Who is to Blame for The Deaths of Romeo and Juliet?

Love, tragedy, and blame are prominent themes in Shakespeare's famous play, Romeo and Juliet. The untimely deaths of the young lovers have captivated audiences for centuries, leaving us to question who is ultimately responsible for their tragic fate. While many characters play a role in the couple's demise, this essay will explore the notion that Benvolio, Romeo's loyal cousin and friend, bears some responsibility for the tragic outcome. Through an analysis of Benvolio's actions and decisions, it becomes evident that his well-intentioned but misguided advice ultimately contributes to the death of Romeo and Juliet.

Benvolio is introduced as a character who strives to maintain peace and harmony in Verona. In Act 1, Scene 1, Benvolio attempts to break up the street brawl between the Capulets and Montagues. While his intentions are noble, his efforts to prevent violence inadvertently lead to Romeo and Juliet's tragic love story. Benvolio's peacemaking nature can be seen as a contributing factor to their deaths, as it leads Romeo to attend the Capulet's party where he first encounters Juliet.

Supporting evidence: "I do but keep the peace. Put up thy sword, Or manage it to part these men with me" (1.1.63-64).

Analysis: Benvolio's attempt to keep the peace results in Romeo's attendance at the party, where he falls in love with Juliet at first sight. If Benvolio had not persuaded Romeo to attend, their paths may never have crossed, and their tragic love story would not have unfolded.

Throughout the play, Benvolio offers advice to Romeo, which, though well-intentioned, ultimately contributes to their tragic end. In Act 3, Scene 1, Benvolio advises Romeo to "be gone" after Tybalt's death, fearing the consequences of staying at the scene of the crime. However, this advice results in Romeo being banished from Verona, leading to a series of events that ultimately lead to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet.

Supporting evidence: "Romeo, away, be gone. The citizens are up and Tybalt slain" (3.1.128).

Analysis: Benvolio's advice to Romeo to escape the scene of Tybalt's death sets in motion a chain of events that ultimately leads to their tragic demise. If Benvolio had encouraged Romeo to stay and face the consequences of his actions, perhaps a different outcome could have been achieved.

Despite being aware of Romeo and Juliet's secret marriage, Benvolio fails to intervene or offer guidance when tensions rise between the two families. In Act 3, Scene 5, when Juliet's parents force her to marry Paris, Benvolio remains silent, allowing the situation to escalate. This lack of intervention indirectly contributes to Juliet's desperate decision to fake her own death, resulting in Romeo's eventual suicide and Juliet's tragic end.

Supporting evidence: "I pray thee, tell my lord and father, madam, I will not marry yet, and when I do, I swear it shall be Romeo, whom you know I hate, rather than Paris" (3.5.121-124).

Analysis: Benvolio's failure to intervene or offer guidance in Juliet's desperate situation echoes his earlier advice to Romeo, which emphasized escape rather than confrontation. If Benvolio had taken a more active role in supporting the young lovers, their tragic end may have been averted.

In conclusion, while there are multiple factors that contribute to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, Benvolio's actions and decisions play a significant role in their tragic outcome. His peacemaking nature inadvertently leads Romeo to Juliet, his advice sets in motion a chain of events, and his lack of intervention allows the situation to escalate. Benvolio's well-intentioned but misguided actions ultimately contribute to the untimely demise of the young lovers. This serves as a reminder of the profound impact our words and actions can have on the lives of others. The tragedy of Romeo and Juliet not only highlights the consequences of impulsive decisions but also serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of thoughtful guidance and intervention in times of crisis.

Bibliography:

Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. Edited by Brian Gibbons, Oxford University Press, 2008.