Act V, Scene 3: The Prince's Final Verdict

HOST: Welcome, Prince!

PRINCE: Good day to you.

HOST: Tell me: why did you turn a blind eye to the situation? Why not punish the families?

PRINCE: I decided against punishing them further because I'd imagine that dealing with all the deaths that were caused by the family feud- from Tybalt and Mercutio to Romeo, Juliet, Paris (and even Romeo's mother)- is punishment enough. Let them wallow in their grief and think back on the consequences of their actions- I already warned them many times, but of course, they refused to heed my words. Death is irreversible, and this will stay with them for the rest of their lives. If they don't learn to change their ways = after this, then let them destroy themselves. If their hatred reaches that point, then it's likely that they won't listen to anybody at all.

HOST: What do you hope the Capulets and Montagues will take away from this tragedy?

PRINCE: I hope they finally realize how they let their personal feelings influence their decisions and cause them to make irrational, unfounded conclusions- I mean, their feud was downright silly and insane! Even though they didn't know each other personally, people on both sides always assumed that those who belonged to the opposite house were naturally vile, monstrous, and inferior (enemies by "birth"). Each time they were at odds, the two houses resorted to fighting because they were so eager to satisfy their rage that they couldn't control themselves for the benefit of the greater good (bystanders, civilians). Everyone's lack of acceptance and an open mind contributed to this tragedy.

HOST: What do you think this teaches us about love (and hate)?

PRINCE: Love is easily forgotten in the face of hate. Romeo and Juliet's relationship was only complicated because they knew that if word got out about their affair, they would be scorned, disowned, and punished by their respective houses. Love enabled them to put aside labels, names, and social status; however, their families (Lady and Lord Capulet especially) refused to consider such a notion and thought only of how their reputation would be "tarnished." Things might have been different if the heads of the houses decided to change their ways, but, on the other hand, one also has to realize that Romeo and Juliet's love for each other was also a large factor in their reckless decisions.