Tuesday, July 5, 2011

From Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, how would one argue that the Prince's banishment of Romeo is unfair, and that a more appropriate punishment...

That's a very interesting thesis! Let me suggest that instead of calling Romeo's banishment "unfair" (which implies that it's too harsh), call it "lax" or "overly lenient" to show that you mean it's not harsh enough. Or, you might clarify that you mean that Romeo's punishment is unfair to other citizens of Verona who are subject to harsher sentences for equal or lesser crimes.


To support your view, I'll suggest that you use this general method:


1. Look closely at the text to find details that support your opinion.


2. Think about the consequences of what really happened in the text as well as what the consequences should have been instead.


3. Consider why other readers might disagree with your view.


Below is a bit more guidance for your particular thesis.


First, as you said, the Prince did threaten an even stronger punishment than banishment for an even lesser crime than Romeo actually committed. To find details to develop this point, head back to that scene near the beginning of the play (Act 1, Scene 1--look for the Prince's long speech that begins with "Rebellious subjects") and select some quotes that show how the Prince is ready to mete out torture and even death if the citizens disrupt the peace or even just fail to listen to him! You can also examine that speech carefully and look for the Prince's reasons for these threats. What is it that the Prince values or cares about? Why might it be important for the Prince to protect these things? Adding this to your discussion may help you prove your thesis. (Hint: Focus on the Prince's use of the words "quiet," "peace," and "citizens.")


Next, you may want to take a close look at the scene in which we find out what Romeo's punishment will be. (Act 3, Scene 1.) Try to figure out why Lady Capulet (Juliet's mom) and the Prince want Romeo to be put to death, and look at how Montague (Romeo's dad) tries to convince the Prince otherwise. What are their reasons? It would be a good idea to describe those, and then to explain why the Prince finally decides to just banish Romeo. Let me call your attention to these lines, because they reveal that the Prince is actually a relative of Mercutio's and that this relationship may be coloring the Prince's decision:



I have an interest in your hearts' proceeding.


My blood for your rude brawls doth lie a-bleeding.



You can also look at how the Friar reacts to Romeo's punishment (in Act 3, Scene 3) for some further support for the fact that it's a surprisingly lenient one.


Once you've discussed what Romeo's punishment is, why, and what it should have been instead, you're ready to think about how Romeo's punishment had negative consequences and how an appropriate punishment would have had better consequences. That is, ask yourself, "Because Romeo's punishment was too lax, what bad things happened--not just to Romeo, but to the citizens of Verona?" And, "If Romeo had been put to death instead, what positive things would have resulted instead for the two families, for the Prince, and for the citizens of Verona?" Or, "How would Romeo's death sentence have been a more appropriate expression of justice, fairness, social order, etc.?" Exploring these ideas is another good way to add support to your thesis.


Finally, you can support your idea even more by explaining why other readers might disagree with you and why their reasons aren't convincing. Figure out what their reasons might be, list those reasons, and then explain why those reasons aren't good enough. For example, some readers might say, "But Romeo belongs to a wealthy family, so he should get a lighter punishment for his crime." Or, "But Romeo is the main character; Shakespeare can't just kill him off in the third act." Or, "But Romeo is so young and so in love, and he deserves a chance to live out his days with Juliet." Or, "The Prince is in charge, so he should mete out punishments as he sees fit." How would you react to those ideas and explain why they're not convincing? Keep on thinking of why other readers would have a problem with your thesis. This is a powerful way to find more to say as you add depth and meaning to your discussion.

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