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Teen Suicide In William Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

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William Shakespeare brought us what some may consider the most well-known romance in history; and it killed both lovers. According to an article posted by Google Sites, contributing factors to teen suicide include “feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, emotional/physical/sexual abuse, and lack of a support network (parents, peers), or feeling of isolation.” While these factors apply to society today, many of them also apply to Romeo and Juliet. Among other factors, hopelessness, emotional abuse, and lack of support apply to the unlikely couple. To begin the play, Romeo is already downhearted over the loss of his previous sweetheart, Rosaline. Romeo and his friends secretly decide to a party thrown by his family’s enemy, Capulet. When Romeo arrives at the party in a depressed mood, he has high hopes of seeing Rosaline. Instead he spots Juliet and instantaneously falls in love. In a split second, Romeo transforms from heartbroken to entirely lovesick. From Juliet’s point of view, she is a thirteen year old girl isolated in her home. This party is where she has been told she will meet her future spouse; an older man. The plans for the night take an alternate route. Upon a short conversation between Romeo and Juliet, a passionate kiss occurs. Juliet has no knowledge of Romeo’s marital status, and states that if he is married, “My grave is like to be my wedding bed” (Peele). Clearly the two have quite a bumpy ride ahead of them. Romeo proceeds to sneak back to the

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