Romeo And Juliet Tragic Hero

656 Words3 Pages
Heroes can bring joy and hope to the hearts of those around them. A hero can be fictional or real, famous or unknown, courageous or inspirational. An example of a hero could be a world renowned physicist, a famous poet, or even a parent. Characteristics that set him apart from others around him are what define a hero. The hero in the tragedy, Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, was Romeo Montague, one of the main protagonists. Romeo had all the makings of a hero, but certain traits he possessed caused him to become a tragic one. His fervor and doting towards Juliet Capulet engendered his demise and earned himself the title of a tragic hero. From the inception of their amour they were always in peril, but Romeo’s infatuation and devotion…show more content…
At the beginning of the play, Romeo’s infatuation with Rosaline quickly changed after he descried Juliet at a Capulet party. Throughout the tragedy, Juliet slowly became Romeo’s obsession. The impetuous nature of Romeo, a Montague, caused him to ignore Juliet’s Capulet lineage. An example of his tragic flaws occurred in act 3 scene 3 when he said,” Ha, banishment? Be merciful, say “Death”. / For exile hath more terror in his look” (3.3.13-14). Romeo declared this to Friar Lawrence after he was banished by Prince Escalus for killing Tybalt Capulet, Juliet’s cousin. Another instance of his impulsive behavior was exhibited when he chose suicide over banishment. Romeo’s tragic flaw of being over emotional was evident throughout and led him to make an irreversible…show more content…
In act 2, scene 6, Romeo and Juliet were wedded by Friar Lawrence. The wedding occurred the day after Romeo chanced upon Juliet. On the same afternoon as Romeo’s wedding, Romeo, Benvolio, and Mercutio were approached by Tybalt and his Capulet cronies. The encounter ended with Mercutio being killed by Tybalt and Romeo avenging Mercutio’s death by stabbing Tybalt, thus ending his life. For example, in act 3, scene 1 Romeo proclaimed, “O! I am Fortune’s fool!”(3.1.133). This declaration made by Romeo signified that Romeo believed his actions were caused by fate, and he was victimized for slaying Tybalt and avenging Mercutio. Another instance was when Romeo hastily married Juliet, only after knowing her an hour or two. Romeo’s impulsive nature was the cause of the rushed marriage. Romeo made ample mistakes throughout the tragedy, but killing Tybalt and speedily marrying Juliet were
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