Tragic Heroes In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

Words: 897
Pages: 4
Open Document
Common elements in most of Shakespeare’s plays are tragic heroes. The character traits we use to them as a hero were defined by Aristotle. The main ones are a fatal, misfortune brought about by the hero’s actions, their fate is greater than they deserve, excessive pride, and a reversal of fortune as a result of the errors in the judgement of the hero. Romeo Montague’s fatal flaw, the reversal in his fate and fortune, and his fate being greater than deserved, asserts the idea that Romeo is a prime example of a tragic hero. Romeo had a fatal flaw of falling in love quickly. At the beginning of the play, Romeo is completely in love with Rosaline. He believed that he had no sense of purpose if she did not love him back. However, that night, …show more content…
Here, I will remain with worms that are thy chambermaids. O, here Will I set up my everlasting rest,” Romeo declared before he killed himself. (Shakespeare 5.3.106-110) He believed since the women he loved was dead, he wouldn't be able to live anymore. This validates the idea that when Romeo is in love with someone he acts impulsive and crazy. This supports the idea that Romeo is a tragic hero as defined by Aristotle. Romeo’s reversal of fortune brought about by his own errors in judgement augments the statement that he is a tragic hero. Romeo Montague was born to a family of nobility and wealth. He led a privileged life compared to others in those times. His luck increases when he meets Juliet and they fall in love, allowing them to marry.
“With love’s light wings did I o’erperch these walls,” was one statement in which Romeo expressed his bountiful love for Juliet. (Shakespeare 2.2.66) As the play progresses, his love takes a turn for the worse when he fights Tybalt, condemning him to a greater extent in the Capulet Family's eyes. Furthermore, this results in his banishment and prevents him from seeing
Show More

Related Documents: Tragic Heroes In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

Tragedy In Romeo And Juliet

development through suspense. Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is classified as a tragedy based on its dictionary definition. The definition of tragedy is a play that has a tragic hero who acquires tragic flaws which result in the downfall of the hero, especially in catastrophe. Romeo and Juliet are tragic heroes in the play and have tragic flaws in their actions and personalities. The tragic flaws of Romeo and Juliet ultimately lead to their downfalls in death. The play, Romeo and Juliet, is considered a tragedy…

Words 988 - Pages 4

Romeo and Juliet Research Paper

Superior Character in Romeo and Juliet The play of Romeo and Juliet is different from William Shakespeare’s other tragedies in that there is not a clear distinction of individual heroes. The two protagonists are more passive than active; both are naïve and lacking understanding. The hero is often thought to be the romantic, yet often hysterical, Romeo. But Romeo’s immoral background, emotional outbursts, mishap murders, and foolish actions make him a poor candidate for a hero. Juliet proves to be more…

Words 2085 - Pages 9