Throughout Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," the ramifications of the adult's actions shape the ensuing tragedy that unfolds, in conjunction with the dire decisions of the children. Shakespeare elucidates the notion of tragedy through the medium of age and the associated insights inherent in the range of ages represented by the characters. Moreover Lord and Lady Capulet's overwhelming pressure to force a marriage between Paris and Juliet are juxtaposed by Friar Lawrence's peaceful attempt to manufacture an amicable relationship between the two families. Alternatively Romeo's lack of control over his emotional state fuels the creation of a tragic cacophony of events.
Shakespeare presents Lord and Lady Capulet as typical Renaissance parents, controlled through the mindset of power and incapable of truly relating to Juliet. This inability to be able to understand Juliet's wants and needs, needless his power consumed strong willed and determined attitude results in Capulet's enragement after Juliet's humble declination to marry Paris. "He shall not make me there a joyful bride" (Juliet, Act III, Scene V, Line 117) "An you be not hang, beg, starve, die in the streets" (Capulet, Act III, Scene V, Line 193). Lord and Lady Capulet's weak relationship with Juliet ultimately prompts her to a state of depression through their ineptitude to see her love for Romeo.
Through Friar Lawrence's determination to get the feuding families together, he helps Romeo and Juliet to marry; this creates tragic scenes throughout the play. Friar Lawrence's 'good conscience' leads to Romeo and Juliet's inevitable fate of death. Friar Lawrence's desperate plan for Romeo and Juliet to be together ultimately sounds like a genuine idea "And this shall free thee from this present shame" (Act IV, Scene I, Line 121), but in reality it fails miserably leading to the star-crossed lovers death. "Death that hath sucked the honey of thy breath" (Act V, Scene III, Line 101).
