Ultimately, in Romeo & Juliet, by William Shakespeare, blame can be placed on many individuals and on mere situations. It has been argued, however, that the major reasons for Romeo and Juliet’s deaths are the involvement of Friar Lawrence, fate, irrationality and poor communication. Perhaps if Romeo and Juliet had met later in life during a time when they were more mature and could concentrate on achieving a lasting relationship while not sacrificing their lives or their families’ lives, Shakespeare's play would have not ended so tragically. Their young love nonetheless ended early without much foresight by either character. Juliet’s great ruse was not communicated in time to Romeo by Friar Lawrence, and Lawrence’s superficial and half‐hearted attempts to inform Romeo only worsened the situation. Lawrence’s suspicions of Romeo’s self‐proclaimed feelings, and his decision to respond to Romeo and Juliet’s pleas with irrational thought put the young couple in danger. All in all, it was fate that brought the young lovers together and fate that tragically ended their lives. These reasons should be considered responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. Conclusively, it was Friar Lawrence who is most responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet.
