Essay Outline Template
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Thesis Statement
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Conclusion & Lead-in
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Conclusion & Lead-in
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Conclusion

A simple flaw can be more fatal than death itself. In The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, this becomes apparent to the reader in many cases. Romeo is a very flawed character whose impulsive behavior led to the death of not only himself but also his beloved Juliet. Romeo quickly changing his undying love he felt with Rosaline to Juliet without any remorse, later when he kills Tybalt without thinking of the consequences, and again when he learns of Juliet’s death.
Romeo’s hasty attitude plays a huge role in his life, and this shows just before Romeo is about to enter the Capulet uninvited without thinking much about it. At first, Romeo goes to the party to see his thought-to-be love Rosaline, but than quickly changes his love from Rosaline to Juliet at his first sight of the beautiful Capulet. “Is she a Capulet? / O dear account! My life is my foe’s debt” (I, iv, 118- 119). Romeo knowing that Juliet is a Capulet, knowing his life is in the hands of his enemy, decides to put this aside because his love is too strong for her. This is a great example of Romeo’s impulsiveness. If Romeo was not quick to take these actions, Romeo and Juliet would have never met. This would make both of their lives a lot easier. This is not the only time Romeo’s impulsiveness takes a big impact in his life.
Later, Mercutio, Romeo’s friend and Tybalt, Juliet’s cousin have an argument and start to fight one another. One thing leads to another and Tybalt ends up accidentally stabbing Mercutio with his sword. Romeo thinks this is his fault seeing that he was trying to hold Mercutio back at the time. When Mercutio is stabbed by Tybalt he acts like he isn’t hurt, that it is just a small scratch, while the truth is indeed he is greatly injured. Mercutio dies in front of Romeo and Romeo’s impulsiveness kicks in immediately. “Alive in triumph-and Mercutio slain! / Away to heaven, respective lenity, / and fired-eyed fury be my conduct now. / Now, Tybalt, take the “villain” back again / that late thou gravest me, for Mercutio’s soul / is but a little way above our heads, / Staying for thrine to keep him company. / Either thou or I, or both, must go with him.” (III, i, 84-92) Romeo saying this is a great example of his fatal flaw. Instead of thinking through what he wants to do about Tybalt killing Mercutio, he quickly jumps to his fight and has a fight with Tybalt. Romeo ends up killing Tybalt, making every matter worse. Romeo was very mad that Tybalt killed his friend Mercutio, but if he took a minute to think of his actions before doing it he would have been better off.