ROMEO AND JULIET IS A TRAGEDY BECAUSE

• A. it is full of noblemen and ladies
• B. it is set in Verona
• C. it ends unhappily ✓
• D. Juliet is only fourteen years old
• E. it has five acts

The answer to the question is: C. it ends unhappily

Romeo and Juliet is considered a tragedy primarily because it ends unhappily. The play, written by William Shakespeare, tells the story of two young lovers from feuding families, the Montagues and the Capulets, whose relationship ultimately leads to their tragic deaths. The tragic ending is a result of a series of unfortunate events, miscommunications, and impulsive decisions made by the characters. The play’s conclusion is marked by the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, as well as several other characters, which is a defining characteristic of a tragedy in literature.

The tragic nature of Romeo and Juliet is further emphasized by the themes of fate, love, and conflict. The play explores the idea of fate and how it influences the lives of the characters, ultimately leading to their untimely demise. Additionally, the intense and passionate love between Romeo and Juliet is overshadowed by the societal and familial conflicts that ultimately contribute to their tragic end.

Furthermore, the play’s structure and elements align with those commonly found in tragedies. It follows a five-act structure, which is typical of Shakespearean tragedies, and incorporates elements such as dramatic irony, foreshadowing, and a sense of inevitability leading to the tragic conclusion.

In summary, while Romeo and Juliet contains elements such as noblemen and ladies, being set in Verona, having five acts, and featuring a young protagonist in Juliet, its classification as a tragedy primarily stems from its unhappy ending and the thematic exploration of fate, love, and conflict.