Romeo:

Question

"Here's to my love!
[Drinks.] O true apothecary!
Thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die.
[Dies.]
[Juliet wakes up.]
Juliet:*
"O comfortable friar! where is my lord? I do remember well where I should be:
And there I am. Where is my Romeo?"

How does Shakespeare’s decision to have Romeo and Juliet die in the final scene, after Juliet awakens and finds Romeo dead, contribute to the structure and meaning of the play?

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0 points
By ending with the deaths of both characters, Shakespeare emphasizes the power of social expectations, showing that their love is doomed because of family obligations.
The suddenness of the deaths creates confusion, making the audience question the relevance of the entire story and leaving the play's themes unresolved.
The final deaths provide a comedic twist, allowing the play to end on a lighthearted note about love and forgiveness.
The tragic ending highlights the irreversible consequences of the feud between the Montagues and Capulets, reinforcing the theme of fate and the destructive nature of hatred.

Answer 1

Shakespeare’s decision to have Romeo and Juliet die in the final scene, particularly after Juliet awakens to find Romeo dead, significantly contributes to the structure and meaning of the play by reinforcing the themes of fate, the consequences of familial conflict, and the destructive power of love.

The tragic ending underscores the irreversible consequences of the feud between the Montagues and Capulets, showcasing how their animosity has devastating impacts not only on the lovers but also on their families and the wider community. This moment epitomizes the idea that their love, while pure and genuine, is ultimately doomed by the social expectations and familial obligations that dictate their lives.

Moreover, the sudden nature of their deaths serves to highlight the theme of fate. Throughout the play, there are numerous allusions to fortune and destiny, and the tragic conclusion reinforces this idea that their lives were controlled by forces beyond their control. This brings a poignant realization to the audience about the tragic nature of human existence, where love can lead to destruction when entangled with hatred and societal pressures.

In essence, the deaths of Romeo and Juliet do not simply conclude the narrative but serve as a powerful commentary on the consequences of entrenched hatred and the dire results of misplaced priorities, leaving the audience to reflect on the tragic outcomes of such conflicts.