Impetuous Behavior in Romeo and Juliet

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Sona Allahverdiyeva M4A Ms. Liz English April 4th, 2012 Impetuous behavior in Romeo and Juliet Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is a story full of all kinds of emotions, ranging from consummate love, to passionate hate. And it is the emotions that cause some of the main characters such as Tybalt and Romeo to act irrational, and make choices they soon come to feel repentant about. Whether overcome by love, or driven with hate, Tybalt and Romeo jump into action without any contemplation, which leads to major. Ignoring the advice they were given on considering their actions, Romeo and Tybalt continue with their rash behavior throughout the play, which leads to the deaths of their loved ones, and eventually their own. Romeo, being one of the two characters the story is based on, is extremely hasty, exaggerating every emotion that he feels. When Romeo is first introduced, the audience sees a boy in love with a woman who does not return his love. However, during Romeo's second appearance, at the Capulet's feast, he makes quite a different impression, expressing his love for a female he just met - Juliet. When approaching Juliet in the Capulet's garden after the party, Romeo asks Juliet for "Th' exchange of thy love's faithful vow for mine"(2.2.127). Romeo managed to swear his love for two women - Rosaline and Juliet - in one night, which only proves how impetuous he is. However love is not the only emotion that causes Romeo to make groundless decisions. When Mercutio tries to pick a fight with Tybalt, Romeo, trying to soothe the fight, interferes, and in result, Mercutio gets killed under his arm. While dying, Mercutio says "Why the devil came you between us? I was hurt under your arm" (3.1.105-106). Romeo, overwhelmed with guilt, grief and anger, attacks Tybalt, killing him in outcome. That way, Romeo's reckless manners lead to a death and his own banishment.
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