Does romeo have a tragic flaw?

Answer 1

Romeo's tragic flaw is his immaturity. He goes from being in love with Rosalind to Juliet very quickly, and similarly rushes through an ill-advised marriage and then into suicide. It he hadn't rushed Juliet would have woken and we wouldn't have a tragedy. But then, he's only a teenager.

Answer 2

Romeo's problems are caused, not by a flaw in his character, but by the relatives of his beloved, particularly the odious Tybalt. Actually, in his love for Juliet, he finds a mature love to replace his immature infatuation with Rosalind. Imagine how things would have gone if Romeo had been the kind of cautious wuss you want him to be. He would have said in Act I Scene V, "Is she a Capulet? Then I'd better not go any further." The next day, Tybalt calls him out for crashing the party. Having no reason to refuse Tybalt, he fights him and, since Romeo is not fuelled by anger at Mercutio's death, Tybalt kills him. Juliet barely notices, gets married to the prat Paris, and never knows love in her life. The Capulets and Montagues continue their feud until they are all dead.

Do you find this possible outcome less tragic than what happens in the play? At least Romeo's rashness meant that he and Juliet got to share true love, if only for a short time, and that fact brought their families together.

Answer 3

Yes, Romeo's tragic flaw is his impulsiveness. His hasty decisions and actions, such as falling in love quickly with Juliet and acting without thinking through consequences, ultimately lead to tragedy.