Although there are several people that were responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, two that stand out were the Capulets and the Montagues. Their hate, one that lasted throughout centuries, did not make it easy on Romeo and Juliet. For example, “Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean” (1.1.4), illustrates the …show more content…
He admits to his fault here: “See what a scourge is laid upon your hate, / That heaven finds means to kill your joys with love!/ And I, for winking at your discords too, / Have lost a brace of kinsmen” (5.3.305-308). In this quote, he is expressing that he did not do enough to stop the families’ endless feud, only “winking” at them (ignoring their growing disputes). The Prince threatened the families multiple times on this topic, including these few examples: "If ever you disturb our streets again,/ Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace.” (1.1.97-98) and “But I'll amerce you with so strong a fine/ That you shall all repent the loss of mine” (3.1.194-195). However, he did not enforce these threats. If he had, the increase in hatred among the families might have been prevented. This might have led to Romeo and Juliet having permission to fall in love, and both of their lives would have been