Maturity In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

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The ability to respond logically in tough situations depends on maturity. In William Shakespeare's classic tragedy, Romeo and Juliet’s immaturity lead them to make rushed decisions, disregard consequences and rely on the constant help of others, resulting in their eventual downfall. Romeo makes the decision to dedicate his life to Juliet hours within meeting her for the first time at a party. Juliet completely neglects the consequences her father threatens to impose. Finally, both lovers repeatedly go crawling to Friar Lawrence for help, unable to successfully navigate through their relationship unaided. Their love is based on their own defiance and bad decisions. These actions, a result of their immaturity are what lead to tragic the death …show more content…
In a multitude of times throughout the story, they show their childish qualities by constantly depending on Friar Lawrence for guidance and advice. If Romeo and Juliet were mature enough to navigate through their relationship without the constant help of others, their downfall would have been prevented. Romeo throws a childlike tantrum, throwing himself on the ground when he doesn’t hear what he wants, “Then mightst thou speak, then mightst thou tear thy hair / And fall upon the ground as I do now,” [Romeo throws himself down]. (III.iii. 70-73) With similar actions of an angry three year old, Romeo accomplishes nothing with this dramatic display. Juliet also shows a naive eagerness to end her life if she does not get what she wants. Her privileged attitude proves her immaturity and incapability to deal with situations herself. She threatens to kill herself if Friar Lawrence can not help her, “I’ll to the Friar to know his remedy. / If all else fail, myself have power to die.” (III.v. 254-55) Juliet needs to grow up, stop relying on others and and make mature decisions. She does not realize the severity of death, and continuously goes crawling to others for help. These scenes show the incapableness and the immaturity of both