1. The protagonists' own choices heavily influence their fate.

The demise of the

protagonists could mainly be attributed to their naivety, impulsiveness and poor
decision-making. For instance, they decide to marry after only knowing each other for a
short time. Also, Romeo's impulsive nature leads him to engage in a deadly duel with
Tybalt, resulting in his banishment from Verona. Similarly, Juliet's impatience leads her
to devise a flawed plan to reunite with Romeo, which ultimately leads to their tragic
ends. And in the end, “There is no confusion over who is at fault. Romeo kills himself,
and Juliet kills herself. It is terribly sad, of course, but there is no one to blame but
Romeo and Juliet. They are not victims; they are masters of their own decisions.”
(Pangborn, 2014: 11)

2. In Juliet's famous speech, she seems to establish an idea way beyond what was
accustomed to, “wherein a person can act according to her individual will and desires,
rather than be destined to act in accordance with the demands of bloodlines.”
(Weindling, 2020: 18). This poses an interesting question, as to what essentially
constitutes an identity. She questions why the mere idea of what one is called should be
the reason that they cannot be together. Romeo finds this difficult to grasp as he
seemingly cannot fathom who he would otherwise be “if not a Montague” (Weindling,
2020: 18). As Romeo contemplates to himself whether to interrupt this idea or to
consider Juliet's suggestion, Juliet explains how a name is a constructed idea and not
“something predetermined by bodily substance. Unlike Romeo who appeals to his ‘vile
anatomy’” (Weindling, 2020: 18). She uses the analogy of the naming of a rose to
further convince Romeo, who eventually accepts this proposal. The two lovers believe
that their true natures are not defined by their names and discarding their names would
rid them of this barrier that keeps them from being together. I hold a personal stance
against this idea, as I place huge importance on a name as part of an identity. I believe
that a name contributes greatly to one's character. My view is that if someone were to
shed their name, it would be casting away part of oneself, one that could have been part
of forming the character that someone fell in love with in another.

3. Traditional gender roles in the play create conflicts in different ways for each
character. Romeo’s expectations to uphold stereotypically masculine ideals lead to him
killing Tybalt, setting off the series of events leading to his demise. The expectation of
Juliet to be an arranged bride forces her to rebel, going on a road that results in her
demise. Mercutio’s adherence to traditional notions of masculinity leads him to often
engage in violence, this culminates in his death in a battle. The expectation of Paris as
an arranged husband for Juliet fuels his persistence to the point of him meeting his fate
as a result. Lord Capulet loses his daughter because of his authoritarian patriarchal
control which leads her to rebellion.
References

Pangborn, J.R., 2014. Speculative nostalgia and its role in Shakespeare and
Renaissance literature. St. John's University (New York).

Weindling, L., 2020. Bloody Fray and Juliet's Bleeding Body in Romeo and Juliet. Early
Modern Literary Studies, 21(2).