Shakespeare's play “Romeo and Juliet” is well known and leaves audiences wondering: Who is to blame for Romeo and Juliet's death? Most of the characters in the play closely related to Romeo and Juliet have responsibilities, but there are three characters or groups who had the greatest influence on the outcome of the story. Friar Laurence could be blamed for marrying them and keeping it a secret. Juliet's nurse encouraged Romeo to pursue Juliet, even helping her sneak out to get married. Last and most deserving of blame, however, are the parents, Lord and Lady Capulet and Lord and Lady Montague. If it were not for the family feud and hatred, Romeo and Juliet would have lived, without tasting the bittersweetness of death. Since some might argue that Brother Lawrence bears most of the blame, an explanation is in order. Friar Laurence's motivations were revealed in the second scene. "For this alliance may prove so happy, that it will transform your families' resentment into pure love." (Act 2 Shakespeare) He wanted the Capulets and Montagues to reconcile, and he believed that Romeo and Juliet's marriage would happen. solve this. The Friar's intentions were good, but other events were beyond his control. He did not foresee Tybalt killing Mercutio and Romeo avenging Mercutio's death resulting in Romeo's exile. When Lord Capulet decided that Juliet would marry Paris, the friar complicated matters further by devising a plan for Juliet to be with Romeo. Once again, his plan failed. Romeo acted recklessly, killing himself moments before Juliet awoke. When Juliet discovered Romeo, Friar Laurence made another mistake by leaving her in a suicidal state. While many may criticize the Friar, in reality he is just guilty of trying to make things better for everyone and bring peace to Verona. Like the......middle of paper......Which, but the end of their children, nothing could remove...” (Shakespeare) An ancient grudge and parents too blinded by hatred to break it, bring the ultimate blame for the tragic death of Romeo and Juliet. Friar Laurence was actually trying to mend the rift between two families. The nurse wanted to make Juliet happy. The parents were selfish and could not overcome their mutual enmity, and their children suffered the repercussions. Bombarded by everyone's indecision, Romeo and Juliet were young, in love and free-spirited. Unfortunately it was their deaths, not love or marriage, that finally reunited the two homes and peace in Verona. Works Cited Hylton, Jeremy. "Romeo and Juliet: the entire opera." Romeo and Juliet: entire play. The Tech, MIT's oldest and largest newspaper, 1993. Web. May 21, 2014. http://shakespeare.mit.edu/romeo_juliet/full.html