Final answer:
If I were the ruler of Verona, I would pardon both Romeo and Juliet due to their innocent love and the overwhelming impact of their families' feud. The Friar, acting with pure intentions, and the Nurse, who played a lesser role, would also deserve pardons. Prioritizing reconciliation over punishment would be key to healing Verona. Option number d is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the tragic ending prompts Prince Escalus to declare, "Some shall be pardoned, and some punished." If I were the ruler of Verona, I would choose to pardon both Romeo and Juliet for their actions. They were young and deeply in love, and their only transgression was defying their feuding families in an attempt to be together. The feud between the Montagues and Capulets is the true cause of the tragedy, and it is their animosity that should be addressed rather than the actions of two star-crossed lovers caught in the middle.
The Friar, in his well-intentioned attempt to reconcile the families through the secret marriage, ultimately contributed to the confusion and subsequent deaths; however, his motivations were pure, making it reasonable to also pardon the Friar. The Nurse, on the other hand, enabled the young lovers, but her actions did not directly lead to the fatal outcomes; thus a pardon for her could also be justified.
In contrast, characters such as Tybalt and Mercutio, who played active roles in the conflict and contributed to the escalation of violence, could be seen as more deserving of punishment. That said, the cycle of revenge and violence depicted in the play suggests that punishing these individuals might not bring an end to the feuding, but rather perpetuate it.
Ultimately, as a ruler seeking to heal Verona from its tragedies, I would prioritize reconciliation and understanding over retribution, hoping to put an end to the cycle of hate and violence once and for all. Additionally, educating and guiding the youth, as well as fostering dialogue between feuding parties, would be crucial steps in preventing future tragedies.