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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 6 page essay that examines Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" and "Hamlet." The writer argues that, at first glance, the male protagonists appear to be propelled along by the action of each play. However, a closer examination of each of these works shows that, in each case, Shakespeare makes it clear that both Romeo and Hamlet must bear some responsibility for the tragic circumstances of their own demise. Romeo and Hamlet make choices that contribute to the tragic endings of these plays. Furthermore, there is the implication in each play that tragedy might have been avoided by the use of reason, rather than an over-reliance on emotion. No additional sources cited.
Page Count:
6 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_khromham.rtf
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examination of each of these works shows that, in each case, Shakespeare makes it clear that both Romeo and Hamlet must bear some responsibility for the tragic circumstances of their
own demise. Romeo and Hamlet make choices that contribute to the tragic endings of these plays. Furthermore, there is the implication in each play that tragedy might have been avoided
by the use of reason, rather than an over-reliance on emotion. Throughout "Romeo and Juliet," Shakespeare characterizes Romeo as rash, compelled to action more by emotion than reason. In Act
I, scene 3, Shakespeare introduces the audience to Romeo as he is in the midst of mooning over a girl, Rosaline, who has rebuffed him. Romeo proclaims Rosaline to his
cohorts as a paragon among women and Shakespeare makes point of establishing Romeo as a great reader of poetry. This suggests that his attraction to Rosaline results from Romeos endeavors
to create within himself the emotions that he had read about. This interpretation is substantiated, to a certain extent, when Juliet informs Romeo that he "kisses by the book" (I.5.113),
that is, that he kisses according to rules rather than from passion. While Juliet is certainly appealing, the rashness of Romeo is indicated by the quickness with which he abandons
all thoughts of Rosaline in favor of his new love, Juliet. This rashness is further exemplified in the famous balcony scene, which Juliet points out is an ill-chosen action because
it could easily get Romeo killed. Juliet points out that the orchard walls are high and difficult to climb and that simply by being there, he could be murdered
by her kinsmen. Romeo responds poetically and lyrically, discounting the danger. To which Juliet replies, with practicality, "If they do see thee, they will murder thee" (II.3.70). Again, Romeo
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