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.
Requirements:
3 paragraphs minimum
Persuasive Essay Outline
A persuasive essay chooses one side of a topic and supports its claim with evidence
Introduction (1st paragraph)
Hook - What interesting fact or statement would make your reader WANT to read the rest of your essay?
A good hook can:
Ask the reader a question
A strong statement
A quotation
An interesting fact
An interesting personal story (anecdote)
An outrageous statement
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 Paragraphs (CEA method)
Write in complete sentences.
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 # -- #).
This shows that ____________________ is responsible for the deaths because ______________________________________________________________________
Conclusion
3rd Paragraph
Restate thesis (This means you will say it in a different way)
In conclusion…
In conclusion,_________________________ is responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet.
Counterclaim- (“Some people think that…..”):
Some people think that ______ is more responsible because ________________________________. (quote/ act scene)
Rebuttal- (“However, they are wrong because….”) However, they are wrong because had _____ not intervened, they ______________.
Final Thought- (What do people need to remember?):
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is a good reminder ___________________________.
In Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet", the tragic deaths of the young star-crossed lovers could have been prevented if various characters had not played a part in their demise. However, the one person who is ultimately most responsible is Friar Laurence. The Friar's actions and decisions throughout the play ultimately lead to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet.
To begin, Friar Laurence is responsible for Romeo and Juliet's death because he is the one who marries them in secret and devises the plan for Juliet to fake her own death. In Act 2, Scene 6, Friar Laurence agrees to marry Romeo and Juliet despite knowing that their families are feuding. This decision sets into motion a chain of events that ultimately lead to their deaths. Additionally, in Act 4, Scene 1, the Friar concocts a plan for Juliet to take a potion that will make her appear dead. This plan ultimately fails, resulting in tragedy.
For example, in Act 3, Scene 3, Friar Laurence says to Romeo, "These violent delights have violent ends" (3.3.9). This quote foreshadows the tragic fate of Romeo and Juliet and suggests that the Friar is aware of the potential consequences of his actions. By marrying Romeo and Juliet in secret and devising a dangerous plan to fake Juliet's death, the Friar sets into motion a series of events that lead to their untimely demise.
In conclusion, Friar Laurence is the most responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. His misguided actions and decisions throughout the play ultimately lead to the tragic fate of the young lovers. Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of impulsive decisions and the consequences they can have. Ultimately, Friar Laurence's role in the deaths of Romeo and Juliet cannot be ignored, making him the most culpable character in this tragic story.