First, take a few moments to prewrite, or brainstorm.
Choose one of the writing prompts below for your essay. Clearly state your claim in your thesis statement
As punishment for killing Tybalt, Romeo is banished from Verona. Is this punishment fair?
Romeo and Juliet are referred to as “star-cross’d lovers.” What is most responsible for the outcome of the play: destiny or the characters’ actions?
Do their parents have the right to keep Romeo and Juliet apart?
Use specific examples from the play Romeo and Juliet as evidence to support your claims. You must include parenthetical citations following each piece of evidence.
Conclude your essay by addressing the counterargument and then disprove it with a forceful statement that expresses your argument and why it is sound.
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Click on the links below to access Romeo and Juliet (PDF) and The Essential Guide to Language, Writing, & Literature (PDF).
In Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the young lovers face numerous obstacles as they try to be together. One of the most significant challenges they encounter is the punishment Romeo receives for killing Tybalt. This punishment of banishment from Verona raises the question of whether it is fair or not.
In the play, Romeo is banished from Verona as a consequence of his actions. After killing Tybalt in a fit of passion and revenge for the death of his friend Mercutio, Romeo is sentenced to exile by Prince Escalus. This punishment is seen as a way to maintain order and justice in the city, as it holds Romeo accountable for his actions and prevents further violence between the feuding families.
However, some may argue that banishment is too harsh a punishment for Romeo. After all, he acted in defense of his friend's honor and was provoked by Tybalt's aggression. Additionally, Romeo and Juliet's love for each other is seen as genuine and pure, making it seem unjust to keep them apart.
Despite these arguments, the punishment of banishment is ultimately fair in the context of the play. By killing Tybalt, Romeo has violated the law and disrupted the peace of Verona. The Prince, as the authority figure in the city, must uphold the law and punish those who break it. Banishment serves as a way to show that actions have consequences and to prevent further violence between the Capulets and Montagues.
Furthermore, Romeo's banishment sets in motion the tragic events that lead to the deaths of both him and Juliet. If he had not been banished, they may have had a chance at a happier ending. This demonstrates the importance of Romeo's punishment in the overall outcome of the play.
In conclusion, while some may argue that Romeo's banishment is unfair, it is ultimately a just consequence for his actions. The punishment serves to maintain order and justice in Verona, and its consequences are essential to the tragic outcome of the play. Romeo and Juliet's fate is determined by a combination of their own actions and the forces of destiny, making their story a timeless tale of love and loss.