Adults In Romeo And Juliet Essay

Words: 988
Pages: 4

How the adults in Romeo and Juliet negatively impacted the story.

Adults tend to be portrayed as wise and thoughtful. Society looks at them as role models or mentors and people are always warned to heed their advice. Adults are usually asked to help solve problems; the story of Romeo and Juliet presented plenty of problems to be solved. In Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare the adult figures in the story attempt to create solutions that do not solve problems completely. Their hasty solutions and refusal to consult others is what causes the tragic course of the play. Beginning with the Nurse's ever-changing advice, followed by the Prince's poor ruling and, concluding with Friar Lawrence's insensitive planning; the three adults try their
…show more content…
In the story of Romeo and Juliet, Prince Escalus is one such authority figure. Even though the Prince's decisions are slightly more thought out, they too prove themselves inefficient. In the first scene, after the fight between the Capulet and Montague men, the Prince is forced to resolve the conflict. He announces “If ever you disturb our streets again/ your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace”(1.1.90-91). The Prince does not address the whole situation, only threatens their lives, making no move to end the feud. This proclamation is reckless and holds no complete guarantee of peace; which is what the Prince is aiming for. Additionally, when the Prince discovers Tybalt’s death he, instead of patiently discussing a possible solution, banishes Romeo. The Prince decrees “And for that offense/ Immediately do we exile him hence./... I will be deaf to pleading and excuses”(3.1.183-188). The Prince's verdict is hastily comprised, repeating the mistake he makes earlier by pushing the problem away rather than solving it. The Prince, being an authority figure is tasked with the burden of command yet, he disregards long-term consequences while composing solutions. His rushed decisions play a huge role in the development of the plot, much like Friar Lawrence's inconsiderate