When news gets around about the deaths of two beloved teenagers, there will be finger-pointing from person to person. Romeo and Juliet is a popular and classic tragic tale made by Shakespeare about two star-crossed lovers who end up taking their lives for each other. Due to the death of the boys, Prince Escalo of Verona closes the audience with the most underlined quote: “Everyone will be punished.” This leaves everyone (from the audience to Prince Escalus himself) wondering who is responsible for Romeo and Juliet's unjust deaths. Who exactly is responsible for the deaths? With the rivalry between Capulet and Montague and the help of Friar Laurence, it can already be said that these two are already, but not entirely, to be held responsible for the death of Romeo and Juliet, however, when examining the circumstance, it will be seen that Fate is to blame. The two families – Montague and Capulet – are responsible for the death of their family members. The fight between these two families is basically the main reason why Romeo and Juliet died. Throughout the prologue there is clear evidence of hatred and conflict. The fifth sentence of the prologue describes the Montagues and Capulets as having "fatal loins", meaning that they could cause the unfortunate end of their children's lives. The Prologue also states that the death of their children will end the conflict between the two families, showing that there must be some sort of connection between the death and the feud (Shakespeare). Since the Prologue is a small preview or thesis of what is to come, it is clear that this rivalry is the root of Romeo and Juliet's death. The Capulets, however, must catch Friar Laurence's message to Romeo in time. Romeo and Friar Lawrence also both blame Fate when Romeo says, "I defy you, stars!" and Brother Laurence says: “Unhappy luck!” (Shakespeare). Romeo and Juliet were doomed from the beginning and the audience is constantly reminded of this idea throughout the play. Therefore, fate is primarily responsible for the death of Romeo and Juliet. Although the Capulets, Montagues, and Friar Laurence are all held partly responsible for the deaths of Juliet and her Romeo, they were powerless to stop the tragedy. from happening. Prince Escalus may choose to punish them, however, he should keep in mind that these characters were only small pawns in the game of Destiny. Works Cited Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. Language of literature. Ed. Arthur N. Applebee. Evanston: McDougal Littell, 2002. Print.