Romeo and Juliet Argumentative Essay Decter, Michaela
Due: 05/15/17
Period 5
The story of “Romeo and Juliet” has been extolled as a perfect, timeless,
romance. However, underneath its shakespearian glamor, it is a story of two, very
young children, who were both neglected by their families, until they both ended up
taking their own lives. Romeo and Juliet should not be a couple, young teens aspire to.
In the end this is a tragedy, not a love story made to last through the ages.
At first glance, the love-at-first-sight cliche seems sweet and adorable, until you
realize Juliet is only thirteen, and Romeo is not much older. Capulet states whilst
speaking to Paris,”My child is yet a stranger to this world/ She hath not seen the
change of fourteen years/… too soon marred are those so early made [brides].”(I, 2,
8-9,13) Juliet’s father says it himself, that his daughter is to young to be a bride, and
that she need time to see and experience the world. She doesn’t have the maturity yet
to act as a woman and have such adult experiences, such as bearing children.
Also, it is commonly glossed over that the two teens decided to get married
after only knowing each other a day. Romeo and Juliet first meet at a masquerade
party held by the Capulets, where they kiss, and presumably fall in love. Later, the
same evening, Romeo sneaks into the Capulet’s garden, under Juliet's balcony, where
they profess their love and decide to get married. While parting for the night Juliet
calls out to Romeo,”If that thy [intention] of love be honorable/ Thy purpose marriage,
send me word tomorrow/… I will come to thee, where and what time thou wilt
perform the rite.”(II, 2, 143-146) A single day is not long enough to fall...
