Romeo And Juliet Fate Vs Free Will

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In the play Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare implies that Romeo Montague is the character most affected by fate which keeps him from Juliet, his star-crossed love, illuminating that in the realm of love, one’s behavior and outcomes rely more on destiny than free will. The tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, takes place some time during the sixteenth century over a five day period, in the Italian city of Verona. The city is home to a bitter rivalry between two families, the Capulets and the Montagues, a fued so old that no one remembers how it began. As a result of the feud, the two families are forbidden to co mingle with one another. As the Capulets announce they are throwing a masquerade, Romeo and his many companions decide to ignore the ban of all …show more content…

With his companions Mercutio and Benvolio, Romeo conveys “I fear, too early: for my mind misgives/ some consequence yet hanging in the stars/ shall bitterly begin his fearful date/...But he that hath the steerage of my course, Direct my sail” (1.4. 113-119). Considering Romeo is a romantic, the knowledge that his love Rosaline, will be attending the party allows him to overlook “some consequence hanging in the stars”. The acceptance of the “stars”and the allowance of them to “direct [his] sail” demonstrates how Romeo is more reliant on destiny than his own judgement. Alongside that, the avoidance Romeo has towards the idea that the party “shall begin his fearful date”, shows the conformity to fate or the “stars”. However, fate and the heavens do not always provide the most considerate guidance and often times lead to harsh realities. After Romeo has been banished from Verona and awaits news from Friar lawrence, Balthasar tells Romeo of the awful news that Juliet has mysteriously “died” and Romeo neglects fates awful choice. “Her body sleeps in Capel's monument, and her immortal part with angels lives...Is it e’en

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