Be sure to choose only ONE answer, and then write your paper to convince the reader that your answer to the prompt question below is the right answer. Use story details to support your answer.
Write a persuasive essay supporting your stance on the following debatable topic:
Who is to blame for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet? Consider whether Fate, the families, the Friar, Romeo, Juliet, or any other characters from the play are most responsible.
Friar Lawrence:
Act II, SCENE III – Lines 88-92
Romeo:
Act II, Scene II – Lines 54-57; 66-69
Juliet:
Act III, Scene V – lines 84-85// 92-101
Juliet's Parents:
Act III, Scene V – Lines 139-140, 176-196
Fate: Prologue
3 paragraphs minimum
APA Format
Use proper spelling and conventions.
Use textual evidence from the play
Can be paraphrased or directly quoted
Must include act, scene number, and line numbers (example: Act 2, Scene 1, Lines 116-122).
Introduction (1st paragraph)
Hook - What interesting fact or statement would make your reader WANT to read the rest of your essay?
A murderous ______ is involved in the star-crossed lover’s deaths.
Background- TAG the play (state the author and play title); give a brief background statement.
Play titles should be in italics or underlined.
In Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet we see that they die in the end. Who is the most responsible?
Thesis Statement – This is YOUR ANSWER to the question who is the most responsible for Romeo and Juliet’s death? Make sure you are picking a side. State your claim clearly.
Make sure to choose only one side. State all opinions as fact. Ex: "Romeo is to blame", NOT "I think Romeo is to blame"
The person that is most responsible for Romeo and Juliet’s death is _________
Body Paragraph 1 (2nd paragraph)
Claim #1- (One reason that supports your general claim/thesis. Explain why you think your answer is the right one)
To begin, _____ is responsible for Romeo and Juliet’s death because _________
Evidence- (quote or paraphrase from the play. Must include a parenthetical citation.)
For example, in the play Romeo and Juliet __________________________________ (Act #. Scene #. Lines # -- #).
Analysis- (Explain how your evidence proves the claim? How does the part of the text you cited show your 'answer' is correct?)
This shows that ____________________ is responsible for the deaths because ______________________________________________________________________
Conclusion
3rd Paragraph
Restate thesis
In conclusion,_________________________ is responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet.
Counterclaim- Some people think that ______ is more responsible because ________________________________. (quote/ act scene)
Rebuttal- However, they are wrong because had _____ not intervened, they ______________.
Final Thought- Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is a good reminder ___________________________.
Introduction
A murderous fate is involved in the star-crossed lover’s deaths. In Shakespeare’s play *Romeo and Juliet*, the tragic deaths of the young lovers have captivated audiences for centuries. The question that continues to linger is: who is most responsible for their untimely demise?
Thesis Statement
The person that is most responsible for Romeo and Juliet’s death is Friar Lawrence.
Body Paragraph 1
To begin, Friar Lawrence is responsible for Romeo and Juliet’s death because he was the one who secretly married them in hopes of bringing their feuding families together. In Act II, Scene III, lines 88-92, Friar Lawrence states, “These violent delights have violent ends.” This quote shows that Friar Lawrence foresaw the dangerous consequences of Romeo and Juliet’s relationship but went ahead with their marriage anyway, despite knowing it could lead to tragedy.
Analysis
This shows that Friar Lawrence is responsible for the deaths because he played a crucial role in their secret marriage, a decision that ultimately led to a chain of events resulting in their deaths. By ignoring the warning signs and proceeding with the marriage, Friar Lawrence set into motion the tragic events that would ultimately lead to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Friar Lawrence is responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. Despite his good intentions of ending the feud between the Montagues and Capulets, his actions ultimately led to the tragic demise of the young lovers.
Counterclaim
Some people think that Romeo and Juliet’s parents are more responsible because of their feud that put pressure on the young lovers. In Act III, Scene V, lines 139-140, Lady Capulet threatens to disown Juliet if she does not agree to marry Paris.
Rebuttal
However, they are wrong because had Friar Lawrence not intervened, they may have found a way to be together without resorting to extreme measures. Friar Lawrence’s actions set off a chain of events that ultimately resulted in the deaths of Romeo and Juliet.
Final Thought
Shakespeare’s *Romeo and Juliet* is a good reminder of the consequences of impulsive decisions and the importance of considering the long-term effects of our actions. Ultimately, Friar Lawrence’s role in the young lovers’ deaths serves as a cautionary tale of the deadly consequences of meddling in the affairs of others.
Sorry but in Act 2, Scene 3, lines 88-92, Friar says
"But come, young waverer, come go with me,89
In one respect I’ll thy assistant be;90
For this alliance may so happy prove91
To turn your households’ rancor to pure love.92"
and Act 3, Scene 5, lines 139-140 it states
"LADY CAPULET
I would the fool were married to her grave!139
CAPULET
Soft, take me with you, take me with you, wife.140"
I apologize for the mistake. Here is a revised Body Paragraph 1 for the essay:
Body Paragraph 1
To begin, Friar Lawrence is responsible for Romeo and Juliet’s death because he played a significant role in their tragic end. In Act II, Scene III, lines 88-92, Friar Lawrence mentions, “But come, young waverer, come go with me, In one respect I’ll thy assistant be; For this alliance may so happy prove To turn your households’ rancor to pure love.” This quote shows that Friar Lawrence agreed to marry Romeo and Juliet, hoping to bring an end to the feud between the Montagues and Capulets. By taking this risky step without considering the potential consequences, Friar Lawrence inadvertently set the stage for the tragic events that followed.
Analysis
This demonstrates that Friar Lawrence's actions directly contributed to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. By agreeing to marry them in secret and attempting to play matchmaker, Friar Lawrence not only failed to prevent the tragic outcome but instead added fuel to the fire. His decisions ultimately led to a series of misunderstandings and miscommunications that ultimately resulted in the deaths of the young lovers.
I hope this correction helps in crafting a stronger argument for your essay.
And for the counterclaim Act 3, Scene 5, lines 139-140 it states
"LADY CAPULET
I would the fool were married to her grave!139
CAPULET
Soft, take me with you, take me with you, wife.140"
Thank you for providing the correct quote. Here is a revised Counterclaim section for the essay:
Counterclaim
Some people argue that Romeo and Juliet’s parents are more responsible for their deaths due to the pressure they put on the young lovers. In Act III, Scene V, lines 139-140, Lady Capulet expresses her frustration by saying, "I would the fool were married to her grave!" Capulet then adds, "Soft, take me with you, take me with you, wife." These lines show the immense pressure and lack of understanding from Juliet's parents, which may have contributed to the young lovers feeling trapped and desperate in their situation.
Rebuttal
However, while the actions of Romeo and Juliet's parents certainly played a role in the tragic outcome, it was ultimately Friar Lawrence who directly affected the events leading to their deaths. Despite the parents' expectations and pressures, it was the Friar who made the choice to marry the young couple in secret and set off the chain of events that would ultimately lead to the devastating conclusion.
I hope this revised Counterclaim and Rebuttal section improves the overall structure and argument of your essay.