IndexThe influence of secrecyThe role of impulsivenessThe tragic consequencesConclusionWilliam Shakespeare's tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, presents a story of forbidden love and the tragic consequences that arise from a long-standing family feud. The feud between Capulet and Montague not only serves as a backdrop to the events of the play, but also guides the actions of the young lovers. Throughout the text, family feud influences Romeo and Juliet's decisions, leading them down a path of secrecy, impulsiveness, and ultimately to their untimely demise. By exploring the ways in which family feud shapes the lovers' actions, we can more fully understand the tragic nature of their story. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Influence of Secrecy One way that family feud drives the lovers' actions is through the need for secrecy. Due to the ongoing conflict between their families, Romeo and Juliet are forced to keep their love hidden from the world. This secrecy affects their behavior and decision making during the show. For example, when they first meet at the Capulets' party, Juliet says, "My only love sprang from my only hate!" (1.5.152). This line not only highlights the irony of their situation, but also reflects the weight of the family feud on their actions. The need for secrecy leads them to make impulsive choices, such as hasty marriage, which ultimately contributes to their downfall. Furthermore, the family feud pushes Romeo and Juliet to extreme measures to keep their relationship a secret. When Romeo is banished from Verona after killing Tybalt, Juliet is faced with the prospect of being forcibly married to Paris by her parents. In desperation, she seeks help from Friar Lawrence, who hatches a plan to have her fake her own death. This plan, however, proves disastrous, as communication problems lead Romeo to believe that Juliet is truly dead, prompting him to take his own life. The secrecy forced upon them by the family feud ultimately leads to tragedy. The Role of Impulsiveness In addition to secrecy, family feud pushes Romeo and Juliet to act impulsively. The intensity of their love for each other, fueled by the forbidden nature of their relationship, pushes them to make impulsive decisions without considering the consequences. For example, when Romeo learns of Juliet's "death," he declares, "Then I defy you, stars!" (5.1.24). This impulsive statement highlights how much family feud drives Romeo's actions, as he is willing to defy fate itself to be with Juliet. Likewise, Juliet's impulsive nature is evident when she decides to take the sleeping potion given to her by Friar Laurence. In his desperate attempt to avoid marrying Paris, he ignores the potential risks and consequences of the plan. He says, "Give me, give me! Oh, don't talk to me about fear!" (4.1.119). This impulsive decision, driven by the desire to be with Romeo, leads to a chain of events that ultimately result in tragedy. Tragic Consequences Actions driven by family feud ultimately lead Romeo and Juliet to their tragic end. The deaths of the young lovers serve as a stark reminder of the destructive power of family feud and the consequences of their impulsive actions. Shakespeare uses their untimely deaths to explore themes of love, fate, and the inevitability of tragedy. Despite the tragic outcome, the story of Romeo and Juliet serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the destructive nature of feuds and the importance of reconciliation. Not only the family feud. ., 1997.