Romeo and Juliet are not the victims of fat, nor are they a "pair of star-crossed" lovers. Their deaths were merely the result of the premeditated actions belonging to teens. For one, the death of Tybalt contributed to the banishment of Romeo (which contributed to the frustration of both Romeo and Juliet). Romeo dictated his sword as it killed Tybalt, so therefore Romeo was in control of one of the actions that possibly led up to him and his love's demise. Another factor that validates the theory of Romeo and Juliet being responsible for their own deaths is that of when Romeo buys the poison from the Apothecary. The Apothecary warns Romeo clearly of his future outcome if he is to consume the potion. After hearing this, Romeo does not listen. This is yet another step in the direction of the self-incrimination of Romeo for his own death. It would be another occurance if the Apothecary deceived Romeo and told falsely of the elixir that he sold to him, but he did not. A final reason as to why Romeo and Juliet are responsible of themselves is due to the certainty that in the end, Romeo did in fact consume the poison -himself-, and Juliet was in fact stabbed by the dagger that was forced upon herself by those hands dominated only by Juliet -herself-. In conclusion, Romeo and Juliet tyrannized their own actions and, therefore, their tragic death was caused solely by the individuals known only as Romeo and Juliet.

by Amanda Maurer