THE TRAGEDY OF ROMEO AND JULIET: A COMPARISON TO GREEK TRAGEDY ESSAY

 The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, written by William Shakespeare in the early 1590s, is a classic play that has been enjoyed by audiences for centuries. It tells the story of two young lovers from feuding families who are doomed to an untimely death due to the actions of those around them. While the play has many elements that are typical of a Shakespearean tragedy, it also bears many similarities to Greek tragedy.

One way in which Romeo and Juliet resembles Greek tragedy is in its use of the concept of fate. In both Greek and Shakespearean tragedy, the characters are often controlled by forces beyond their control, leading them to make decisions that ultimately lead to their downfall. This is particularly evident in Romeo and Juliet, as the two lovers are repeatedly thwarted by the hatred between their families and their own impetuous nature.

Another way in which the play echoes Greek tragedy is in its use of dramatic irony. This is when the audience knows something that the characters do not, leading to a sense of tension and foreboding as the characters move towards their inevitable fate. In Romeo and Juliet, the audience is aware of the lovers' true identities from the beginning, while the characters themselves are unaware of this until it is too late. This adds to the sense of tragedy, as the characters are unable to avoid their fate even though they are unaware of the full extent of the danger they face.

Like Greek tragedy, Romeo and Juliet also employs the use of tragic heroes. Both Romeo and Juliet are characters who are doomed to suffer and die due to circumstances beyond their control. They are also both noble and heroic, with Romeo displaying bravery and selflessness in his pursuit of Juliet, and Juliet showing great strength and determination in her refusal to marry Paris and her willingness to take her own life to be with Romeo.

Finally, Shakespeare's play also incorporates the use of violent and bloody events, similar to those found in Greek tragedy. The play begins with a street fight between the Capulet and Montague families, and ends with the tragic deaths of both Romeo and Juliet. This violence serves to heighten the sense of tragedy and reinforce the idea that the characters are caught up in a cycle of violence that they cannot escape.

In conclusion, The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet bears many similarities to Greek tragedy, including the use of fate, dramatic irony, tragic heroes, and violent events. These elements combine to create a powerful and poignant tale of love and loss that has resonated with audiences for centuries.