Comparison of Values from Romeo and Juliet and the Fall of a City

Everyone has a value that influences their lifestyle. One may value religion and visit church every week, whilst another may value honour and may do anything in their power to protect their name. One’s value will also affect the outcome that leads to their end. For example, Romeo’s value of relationship leads him to kill Tybalt, in order to avenge the death of Mercutio. This in turn causes a chain reaction of events, where Romeo is ultimately banned from Verona. The characters Romeo from William Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet, written in 1599 and Teddy from Alden Nowlan’s short story, The Fall of a City, exhibit many values that have heavily influenced and led to their end. The values of these two characters yield similarities along with differences. Although both characters value family, Romeo values peace and honour while Teddy values independence and his ability to express his imagination. Romeo is the only son of the Montague family of Verona. Therefore, he must protect the name of the Montagues and must not interact with the Caputlets, who are enemies to the Montagues. However, he does fall in love with Juliet, daughter of the Capulet family and ultimately marries her. Out of his value for his family, he decides to protect their name by keeping the marriage discreet. This is an act of honour that comes out of his value for his family. He maintains a healthy relationship with his parents, and they care deeply for him. Lady Montague is concerned about his wellbeing when she says: “O, where is Romeo saw you him to-day?” (1.1.5). Because they have a good relationship, Romeo does not feel shame towards his parents. However, his value of family had made him keep his marriage a secret, which causes the Capulets to plan Juliet’s marriage with Paris. In order to prevent that unholy second marriage, Friar Laurence comes up with a plan which leads to the events of Romeo committing suicide. Teddy is an eleven year old boy, who lives with his uncle and aunt. His