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  • Essay / Romeo and Juliet: Deception and the Justification of Lying

    Shakespeare's tragedy Romeo and Juliet explores the theme of deception through various characters and their actions. One character, Juliet, is faced with the dilemma of lying to her parents repeatedly throughout the play. This essay aims to demonstrate that Juliet is justified in lying to her parents, given the circumstances and consequences she would otherwise face. As we examine the reasons for her lies and the implications of her actions, it becomes clear that Juliet's deception is a necessary means to preserve her own happiness and protect her relationship with Romeo. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayParagraph 1: Juliette's first lie to her parents occurs when she pretends to obey their wishes to marry the Count Paris. This lie is made necessary by her secret love for Romeo and the fact that her parents would never approve of their relationship. Juliette's lie not only buys her time, but also demonstrates her free will and determination to be with the man she loves. In Act 3, Scene 5, Juliet says to her mother: “I will not marry yet; and when I do, I swear it will be Romeo, who you know I hate, rather than Paris. This statement indicates that Juliette is willing to do anything to avoid marrying Paris, including lying to her parents. The deception here is justified because it serves Juliette to maintain control of her own destiny and pursue her true love.Paragraph 2: Another example of Juliette's lies occurs when she concocts a plan with Friar Laurence to fake her own dead. Although this plan involves deceiving his family and causing them immense grief, it is a desperate measure taken to escape his predetermined fate and avoid an unwanted marriage. Juliet knows that if her parents were aware of her love for Romeo, they would not hesitate to intervene and separate them. In Act 4, Scene 1, she says to Friar Laurence: "If all else fails, I myself have the power to die." This statement highlights Juliet's desperation and her willingness to go to extreme lengths to be with Romeo. By faking her death, she gains the freedom to make her own choices and, ultimately, reunite with her loved one. In this context, lying becomes a justifiable means to an end.Paragraph 3: Juliet's final act of deception is when she lies to her parents about wanting to marry Paris. In act 4, scene 2, she says to her father: "I will confess to you that I love him." This statement is a lie, because Juliette is fully aware that she has no intention of marrying Paris. However, by pretending to accede to her father's wishes, she avoids further conflict and potential consequences. Juliet's lie is motivated by her desire to preserve peace within her family and avoid any harm that might befall Romeo. In this case, her deception is justified because it serves to protect her own happiness and the life she has built with Romeo.Paragraph 4: The implications of Juliet's lies are significant not only for the development of her own character, but also for the larger themes of the play. Through her deception, Juliette challenges society's expectations and norms, asserting her free will and autonomy. Furthermore, her lies highlight the flaws in the rigid social structure that prevents her from openly pursuing her love for Romeo. By disobeying her parents and engaging in deceptive acts, Juliette exposes the hypocrisy and limitations of patriarchal society in, 2011.