In Shakespeare's "The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet," requited lovers fall in undeniable love that is hidden behind closed doors. Their most trusted acquaintances keep their secret and prolong their love, even knowing the consequences of doing so. The star-crossed lovers find no other meaning to life without one another and end their youthful lives. The consumption of a poisonous solution is the cause of Romeo death and a dagger to the heart for Juliet's (V.iii 111-171). The tragedy of Romeo and Juliet was caused by the extreme impulse to defend each-others love, by the selfishness of Friar Lawrence, and for other people's desperate need for happiness.
The extreme impulse to defend each-others love happened when Romeo saw Juliet at the Capulet's party. At that moment Romeo vowed that he could no longer love Rosaline and that he forever loved Juliet (I.v 45-54). Juliet comes to the conclusion that she also loves Romeo back, but she is heartbroken to learn that their families are enemies, and he is a Montague (I.v 138). Romeo and Juliet have seen each other once before their moment on the balcony and already have no doubt that they are in love (II.i 35-45). Their inexperience with love has driven them to be blinded by all the boulders that might stand in the way of their affection for one another. Even though Juliet is aware that she can't love him for what he is (a Montague), she knows that she'll disown who she "is" to be with him (II.i 35-45). Their inexperience with love continues to drive them to the proposal and acceptance of marriage despite their families being enemies and the danger that their marriage could cause them both.
Friar Lawrence, the priest, decides to marry the couple because of his desperate need for the the families to reunite and make peace (II.iii 90-92). This act is selfish because it only benefits what Friar Lawrence wants instead of understanding what the families want as well.
