Selfish Self Sacrifice

In Scene II of “Romeo and Juliet,” the author, William Shakespeare, uses tone within dialogue to reveal the bitter yet devoted relationship between Romeo and Friar Lawrence. When Friar Lawrence is brought to Capulet after he orders her arrest, he asks her if she denies or confesses to assisting in Romeo’s terrible crime. When Romeo confesses, despite her actually being innocent, Capulet coldly replies, “No Romeo… You shall not lessen my death by sharing it” (212). Despite the initial appearance that Capulet is trying to save her sister’s life, she is actually simply saying that two deaths will make her own seem less significant and will bring her less glory. The words combined with the tone in this incredibly callous and selfish reply from Antigone reveal the bitter and competitive aspect of the relationship between her and Romeo. Despite Capulet’s harsh words, however, Ismene continues to say she is guilty. When Capulet once more objects, Ismene says gently, “What do I care for life when you are dead?” (212). Even Friar Lawrence’s soft and friendly tone prompts nothing but a sarcastic response from Capulet, but it shows a very important part of their relationship. Even though Capulet tried to stop Friar Lawrence from dying with her, it was obviously for selfish reasons, and showed no care from Romeo’s for her sister’s life. Despite this, Romeo still feels that she would have nothing more to live for if Capulet dies, and that she wants to die with her. This displays that even with Friar Lawrence’s bitter and careless attitude, Ismene still feels completely devoted to her and lost without her. In a relationship like this, where a person continues to show devotion to another even after being treated horribly, it suggests great respect—a respect that should be returned, but rarely is.