The Theme of Death in Romeo and Juliet

“Romeo Juliet” is one of the most famous and enjoyed literary pieces of all time. The play is written by the playwright William Shakespeare and it conveys the tragic love story of two star-cross’d lovers with a remarkably beautiful language. The play, since it’s a tragedy is permeated by death and all the main characters feel the impact of death either by dying, or witnessing deaths. Throughout the play the reader is able to identify two types of death; death by suicide and death by homicide. A conscientious reader can as well realize that Romeo catalyzes all these deaths.

Death by suicide is exemplified by the death of Romeo and Juliet. In order to analyze the subtheme of suicide Shakespeare’s intentions in making the two kill themselves, and the reasons that drive the lovers to suicide should be considered. When Juliet’s perspective is adopted the reader sees that no pleasant future awaits her. There is no prospect of happiness for her in a world devoid of Romeo. Her family probably will not forgive her because she rebelliously defied her father’s authority. As Friar Lawrence suggests her only chance is joining “a sisterhood of holy nuns.” Another factor that propels the suicides is the impulsiveness of youth. Romeo decides to poison himself at the moment he is apprised of Juliet’s death. He does not question her death or even hesitates a brief second to consider a life without her although he only knew her for three days. The friar chides Romeo’s unbridled impetuosity when he says, “They stumble that run fast.” Moving on, Shakespeare kills the star-crossed lovers to reinforce the intensity of their love. This ending that only fits tragedies, hints at the unworldliness of this love. Their love is not understood by anyone else other than Romeo and Juliet, and is therefore spiritual. Even Friar Lawrence, a man of religion, asserts to Romeo “Young men’s love lies not truly in their heart, but in their eyes.” and the Nurse who is very intimate with Juliet advises