Romeo and Juliet Literary Essay

 In life, we always make irrational decisions. Sometimes we are given a choice. Other times, we are not. These decisions may lead you to something more terrifying and unexpected. “The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare shows a perfect example. Romeo and Juliet make the wrong decisions that don’t only affect them, but others too. “Romeo and Juliet” is filled with tragedies and romance. Shakespeare shows how wrong decision can cause major consequences.  

One decision Romeo and Juliet made was to get married. Marriage doesn’t sound detrimental. But it doesn’t sound great either if your parents are rivals. The Montagues (Romeo’s family) and the Capulets (Juliet’s family) were enemies for a very long time. Romeo and Juliet knew that perfectly but that didn’t stop them from getting married. Their love for each other led them to that decision and they believed marriage will keep them together forever. “As mine on hers, so hers is set on mine, and all combined, save what thou must combine by holy marriage.” (2.3.63-65) so what Romeo is trying to say is that they are perfect for each other and they need to get married. They may be perfect for each other, but they should’ve thought about what might happen after they were married. Eventually, it all leads up to death. If Romeo and Juliet never met, they wouldn’t have been married. Romeo would probably still be sulking over Rosaline and Juliet will be married to Paris. Even though they don’t want that, it’s way better than losing your life. Even if they prefer death, I still think getting married was a bad decision.

Another bad decision Juliet made was drinking the vial instead of marrying Paris. She believed that after drinking the vial, everyone will think that she’s dead, Romeo will come for her, and her life will be perfect from then on. But things didn’t go as planned. Romeo wasn’t aware of her plan and when he found out she was“dead”, he killed himself. Juliet believed that marrying Paris would ruin her marriage with Romeo. “I pray you, tell my lord and father, madam, I will not marry yet, and when I do I swear it shall be Romeo, whom you know I hate, rather than Paris.” (3.5.125-128). Juliet doesn’t actually hate Romeo. She was talking to her mother and she didn’t want her mother to know that they were married. I don’t think the Capulets, nor the Montagues, would accept that fact that their children are married. So Lady Capulet thinks that her daughter despises Romeo. And Juliet claims that she’d rather marry Romeo, whom she “hates”, than Paris. And her hate for Romeo is just an excuse for not marrying Paris. And she only wanted to be with Romeo. Therefore, she drank the vial. If she didn’t, she would have been married to Paris. But there are many other ways she could’ve gotten out of it. She could’ve ran away or have Romeo pick her up when everyone’s asleep. Instead, she took a risk, and drank the vial, which led to something worse.

A decision Romeo made, that wasn’t so clever, was to kill himself, when he found Juliet “dead”. He didn’t know that she drank the vial, so when he thought she was dead, he poisoned himself. He chose to do this because he loves Juliet and his love for her pulled him towards that decision. He insisted that he’d stay with her forever; “For fear of that I still will stay with thee and never from this palace of dim night depart again. Here, here will I remain with worms that are thy chambermaids. O, here will I set up my everlasting rest.” (5.3.106-110) What Romeo is trying to say is that he will stay with her forever no matter how bad it is down there in the tomb. Not even fear can chase him out of there. Therefore, he killed himself so he can be with Juliet eternally. “Here’s to my love. [Drinking] O true apothecary, Thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die.” (5.3. 119-120).  In my opinion, I think it was very kind of Romeo to take his life so he can be with Juliet. But at the same time, it’s unfortunate because she wasn’t really dead. If only she woke up in time.

Romeo and Juliet make decisions that turn out to be wrong, because their love for each other forces them into it. And these decisions may lead to more challenging choices. Romeo and Juliet decided to get married. Then that led to Juliet drinking the vial instead of marrying Paris. And that led to Romeo and Juliet killing themselves. They aren’t the only ones in the world that make mishandles decisions. Everyone does at least once in a life time. Even I made a few bad decisions. Some may be as serious and challenging as Romeo’s and Juliet’s. Others aren’t. But either way, everyone makes senseless choices.

Life As We Knew It

I’m reading a book called “life As We Knew It”. So far in this book Miranda a 16 year old is going through a lot. Her parents are divorced and her social life is not going so great.  Her dad got married to a girl half his age and is having a baby. Miranda doesn't like her dad’s new wife and she especially doesn't like the fact that there having a baby together. On the bright side her mom finally found a man that she really likes, peter. She also has two brothers Matt and Johnny. Johnny is obsessed with baseball and is a little self fish. Matt on the other hand is a smart positive that’s been sent out to collage. Miranda’s life changed when a meteor hit the moon. The meteor hit the moon so hard it got closer to earth. As it got closer the tides rose and tsunami hit. Thunderstorms hit and gas prices rose. Now Miranda has no electricity and has over a hundred cans of food in her kitchen. She did meet a boy named Dan. Eventually her mom stopped trusting her and Miranda is furious that her mom wouldn't let her go out. All in all Miranda’s life turned upside down.

                Miranda’s is confused about her new boyfriend because she really likes him but her mom does not approve. Miranda wants to stay with Dan but she knows that her mom is worried that Dan is using her. Miranda’s mom warned her about giving away food. Miranda’s mom told her that the only thing that matters is family. Miranda of course ignores are and still hangs out with Dan. If I was in a situation where I was in apocalypse, the only thing I will be worried about is my family. I’m guessing Miranda hasn't realized that, or maybe she’s in “love”.  A complex thing that Miranda is going through is that she can only eat once a day. Miranda and her family want to save food because they now that they will run out.  I feel bad for her family because they have to suffer through starvation. I can’t last one day without eating at least twice.

The Bully

I’m reading a book called “The Bully”. So far in this book a boy named Darrell who just moved from the projects to California is having a hard time getting adjusted. He had to start fresh and that didn’t work out so well. A new school, new home and a new bully that won’t stop bugging him. Darrel can’t even walk by himself to get some milk. His bully will charge Darrell. He told him to give him 10 dollars a day if he wants the bully to stop harassing him. But that still didn’t stop him. He spread rumors, humiliated him in front of class. Darrell did though meet a girl. She was a sweet girl that had a crush on Darrell. Darrell’s heart was broken after the girl rejected him because of a rumor the bully spread. After a few months of wrestling classes Darrell stood up for himself. No more rumors, harassment, and pay days. All in all he got the girl of his dreams and doesn’t have a bully harassing him any chance he has. Darrell’s life turned around.
     One complex thing that happened in the story is when the bully ruined Darrell’s love life. He told the girl of his dreams a false rumor about how Darrell was a man slut. This is complex because the only thing that got him into a good mood is Claudia (Darrell’s crush). He had no father, a broke mother and a bully. She’s the only person that got him through the day. When his bully told her a false rumor she wouldn't hang out with Darrell anymore.  I think the only reason why Tyral bullied Darrell was because he wanted to let out his anger onto him. I also think he likes Claudia because in the book it states that Tyral will always give Darrell a devious look whenever he’s with Claudia. 
While I was reading this book I noticed another important conflict. He didn't have a dad. It’s a small detail that was mentioned but I noticed a lot of things that were related to this detail. Like for instance he had to cry himself to sleep everyday because his dad left. His dad had a high paying job that supported the family. Also in my opinion I think that a dad’s responsibility is mostly motivation. Whenever Darrell is down he needed a dad to pick him right up. A dad is supposed to be at his son’s games and teach life lessons and not beating his wife senseless after drinking.  Sadly he didn’t have a dad. No one could protect him accept for himself. 
In conclusion Darrell’s life didn’t turn out the way he wanted. He had a broken heart, poor family and no dad to stand by him. Eventually he stood up for himself and his life twisted around. 

Shawn White arrested

I read an article about Shawn White. He was arrested for pulling the fire alarm. He was in a hotel in New York City. He took 11 shots of vodka and got wasted. He then thought it will be funny to pull the fire alarm. He ran across the hall and pulled it. When they found out there was no fire the guards chased him outside he hoped into the taxi but the taxi driver wouldn’t drive. He punched White and gave him a black eye. He was charged with assault. All in all it turns out Shawn White is not the person I thought he was.  

                I always thought that White was a good sporty guy. I never knew that Shawn will ever do such a thing. I also noticed that most celebrities take advantage of others and there life. They always turn out a innocent famous person into a druggy. I also learned a lot of new things like what happens to celebrity these days. I also learned that Shawn White was bailed out of jail. I also heard that they cut the bail by a little because he was a celebrity. I don’t see why being a celebrity changes the fact that they get a free pass on anything. Also there is always someone that can bail a celebrity out. Allot of times when someone gets arrested it ruins there whole life. There family, career and ect. But for a celebrtity it will just pass in a week. They will have a free pass and it will be like nothing happened.

                I also noticed that fame can twist your whole life to another path. For example Jimmy Hendrix wanted to become a lawyer. He went to law school, and went to the army after his parents died. But fame got him to a place where he experiences drugs and alcohol.  He also never went to law school like he planned and lost his life at a young age. Hendrix died at age 26. In my opinion I don’t think that Shawn wanted to be the guy punched by a taxi drives right after breaking the law.

                In conclusion fame can lead you to another life. I also learned a lot about celebrities and how they are changed by fame.  

Teenage Suicide

I’m reading a book called “teenage suicide” by Peggy J. Parks”. So far in this book I learned important facts that will help me in the children’s book project. This book shows me different reasons why tens take their own lives. It also taught me what causes teenagers to committing suicide. Also this book taught me that more males commit suicide then girls. Teenagers kill themselves in different ways. This book gave me the information I need for later assignments and projects. I also learned that more teenagers consider committing suicide then actually attempting.

Some of the facts I did learn were more females consider committing suicide then male but males actually commit suicide. Females attempt to commit suicide more than males but they do not succeed. Men mostly use firearms and falls more than using suffocation and poisoning. Bullying is mostly what causes suicide, also depression. All in this entire book will help me a lot on my assignments and my recent project.

While I was reading this book I noticed a very important topic. I noticed that there is a way to prevent teenagers from committing suicide. Parents should be more concerned about there children’s social life. Parents also should get closer with their child by talking to them, helping them with homework or just have fun with your child. Also if your child is getting bullied you should talk to the principle.

Another important topic is that how do you know that your child is considering to commit suicide. First thing you want to look at is there grades. If you see your child’s grades sinking that’s a sign. Also if the child isn’t into any activity and not playing around with other kids is a sign of suicide. Also make sure your child is not stressed. Also your child might start cleaning a particular area for example their rooms. If your child is not acting normal or gave up in life that might show depression and that will lead to suicide.

In conclusion I learned that a lot of kids take their lives because of a problem that they think they can’t fix. Such as bullying, abuse and depression. Kids die from suicide almost every day, and my goal is to reduce this problem. Also this book will help me in the future. All in all I hope that I can help save teenagers lives.

No Women No Cry

I’m reading a story on bob marleys wife. The book is called No Women No Cry by Rita Marley.  This story tells me about how she lived in Jamaica her whole life. She went through a lot. Her mom passed away, and she had to live with her mean grandmother. They both went through poverty. They lived in a neighborhood where you would here gun shots every night. Later on she began a reggae band. She sang in cafes and restaurants. Later on she met the Waller brothers the band Bob Marley was in. they both made a song together. They started going out and eventually they got married. They had eight kids. They both became famous. They both sang together in all sorts of countries. Bob had a viral disease and he had to take 6 pounds of marijuana every week. One day bob was playing soccer and he had a foot injury. It was against his religion to get surgery. Eventually it got infected really badly and he passed away at 26 years old.

Rita Marley was a woman that went through drugs, poverty and living in a really bad neighborhood. I think that Rita wanted to live in ghetto places because she mentioned how she loved to be around her friends. Her friends did drugs and one of them was arrested for murder. Maybe she just got used to the ghetto neighborhood that she thinks that she likes hanging out with those kinds of people. Also her mom was addicted to crack cocaine. One day they were going through bankrupt that her mom decided to committing suicide by overdosing. I think that Rita likes to hang out with people that are bad influence on her because of her mom, but on the other hand her dad did leave her. The grandma hit Rita and abused her brothers. Rita also mentioned that singing helps her get away from all the stuff that’s going around her.