Those carrying the least blame for Romeo and Juliet’s deaths are the Montagues and Capulets. They are reprehensible because if the two families remain peaceful with each other, Romeo and Juliet would have permission to love each other. Their lives would be easier if they didn’t have to hide their affection. On her balcony, Juliet exclaims, “Tis but thy name that is my enemy. Thou art thyself, though not a Montague...O, be some other name” (2.2.42-46). Since the Montagues and Capulets have such deep abhorrence towards each other, they forbid their children from exchanging acts of love. Because of this, Romeo and Juliet have no choice other than to sneak around. …show more content…
He has good intentions, but unfortunately a huge misconception takes place. When Juliet goes to see Friar Lawrence for advice to get out of marrying Paris, he gives her a potion that makes her seem dead for 42 hours. She would then be in the Capulet tomb when her family finds her “dead,” allowing Romeo to be there when she wakes up so they can flee to live in Mantua together. Balthasar does not know this plan, and sees Juliet being put in the tomb. He leaves Verona to tell Romeo his love has died. Balthasar explains, “Her body sleeps in Capel’s monument. And her immortal part with angels lives” (5.1.19-20). In reality, she’s only under the effect of the potion. In hearing this news, Romeo decides he can’t live without Juliet and kills himself as he stands next to her body in the tomb. Soon after she wakes up, Juliet finds Romeo dead and commits suicide herself. Balthasar is evidently blameworthy for the deaths of Romeo and