Unit 2
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 star-crossed lovers have long been a topic of debate. The question of who is ultimately to blame for their untimely demise remains a contentious issue. However, it is clear that the Friar is the most responsible for the tragic events that unfold.
To begin, the Friar plays a significant role in orchestrating the events that lead to Romeo and Juliet’s deaths. It is the Friar who agrees to marry the young couple in secret, despite knowing the risks involved. In Act 2, Scene 6, the Friar even acknowledges the dangerous nature of Romeo and Juliet’s love, stating, “These violent delights have violent ends” (Act 2, Scene 6, Lines 9-10). By agreeing to marry them in secret, the Friar sets into motion a chain of events that ultimately lead to the tragic outcome.
Furthermore, it is the Friar who devises the ill-fated plan to fake Juliet’s death in order to reunite her with Romeo. In Act 4, Scene 1, the Friar gives Juliet a potion that will make her appear dead for 42 hours. This plan ultimately results in Romeo believing Juliet to be truly dead and taking his own life. The Friar’s misguided attempt to bring the lovers together only serves to further seal their tragic fate.
In conclusion, it is clear that the Friar is the most responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. His actions and decisions throughout the play directly contribute to the tragic outcome. While other characters certainly play a role in the events that lead to their deaths, it is the Friar who ultimately holds the greatest responsibility. Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of impulsive decisions and the consequences that can arise from well-intentioned but misguided actions.