A famous line from Star Wars, Overconfidence is the most dangerous form of

carelessness, is proven true in every case. A good amount of confidence can bring about healthy
self- esteem and motivation, whereas excessive amount of confidence can only do harm.
Overconfidence is not an easy trait to control for stubborn young agers and grown wise adults
both. In The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare, a definite factor that contributes to the
tragedy proved to be overconfidence in peoples opinions and judgments, proceeding
carelessness and poor decision- making.
Romeo often underestimates the consequences of his choices, making Romeo and Juliets
love for each other impossible. The tragedy starts with Romeo incautiously intruding the Capulet
party, which is hosted by the enemy of his family. Romeo sees no sign of his name on the
invitation list, and if recognized at the party, he would be breaking an entre. However, advised
by his friends to attend and look at other women, he asserts, Ill go along, no such sight to be
shown,/but to rejoice in splendor of mine own (I.iii.107-108), stubbornly claiming that his only
purpose is just to look at Rosaline the whole time. He does not worry about getting caught at all-
he is instead worried about finding someone more beautiful than Rosaline. Consequently he is
recognized by Tybalt, who assures himself that his intrusion will soon convert to bittrest gall
(I.V.103). Completely out of his will, he is in love with Juliet and insists on marrying her. When
Juliet questions why Romeo has to be a Montague, Romeo pledges to Juliet, Call me but love,
and Ill be new baptized./Henceforth I never will be Romeo (II.ii.54-55), ready to leave his last
name behind. One of the necessary steps to take before marriage is both families approval, but
he switches the order around. He is somehow sure that everything will find a way. Unfortunately,
Romeos youthful overconfidence continuously creates insecurity between the Montagues and
the Capulets.
Friar Lawrences poor judgment followed by overconfidence took a significant part in the
two star- crossed lovers deaths. The most miscalculated decision he makes is to agree to marry
Romeo and Juliet. He believes that the marriage will turn your [their] households rancor to
pure love (II.iii.99), and bring the two houses together. Although his intent is well- meaning, it
only indicates that he is being bold in his evaluation of the feud and is not looking over the
implications of Romeo and Juliet's secretive alliance. The next complication follows when he
hands Juliet the fake death potion. When Juliet comes to him, hopeless at the thought of
marrying Paris, Friar Lawrence directs her to take the vial, which contains A cold and drowsy
humor; for no pulse (IV.i.98), that will put her in temporary death for forty- two hours. Juliet is
still thirteen years old at this time. Friar Lawrence is able to trust a young teenage girl with a fake
death potion. Pursuing this further, Friar Lawrence gives the letter informing Romeo of the plan
to Friar John to be safely delivered to Romeo. First, Friar Lawrence trusts someone irrelevant
with the delivery of letter of great importance. Second, he does not have the urgency to urge
Friar John to send the letter to Romeo as fast as possible, resulting in Friar John informing Friar
Lawrence that he could not send it/Nor get a messenger to bring it thee (V.iii.14-16), failing to
get it to Romeo. Friar Lawrences boundless trust in his position never gets him to find his
expected outcome.
Romeo and Friar Lawrences overconfidence drive the fate of the story by their careless
thinking and poor decisions. Their assurance to unrealistic expectations led to the unfortunate
deaths of many others. At the end, their hubris is replaced by irresponsibility and somewhat
cowardliness. They try to back out of the situation in their own ways- Romeo kills himself after
seeing Juliet supposedly dead, and Friar Lawrence chooses to leave Juliet alone in the tomb to
avoid suspicion. This drama taught the lesson of actions and consequences. Their actions were
not thought completely through and crossed the line and ultimately ruined the possibility of a
happy ending. Learning to slow down and take a minute to listen to not just your own judgments
but as well as other peoples voices is a jump to self- improvement.





















Overconfidence: Blurring of Potential