The Results of Fate In Romeo and Juliet

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Fate is a hidden, but unavoidable force that leads to certain consequences in people’s lives. The theme of fate plays a crucial role in the main characters of the play, Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare. Romeo and Juliet share a destiny that dooms them to tragic deaths immediately after the exchange of their zealous love. Despite their resolute attempts to challenge their destiny, the lovers still succumb to the inexorable powers of fate. In the Shakespearean play, Romeo and Juliet, the principle of fate propels the lovers together with infatuation, tears them apart through a bitter demise, yet, ensures peace in Verona for many future generations.

To start, Romeo and Juliet are united by the work of fate. It is completely unheard of for a Montague to even have the slightest sense of friendship with a Capulet in the story; however, the “star-crossed” lovers defy that commandment. It is no coincidence that the illiterate Capulet servant, in need of assistance, meets Romeo in the streets. After the servant entreats Romeo into reading the invitation, he states “Now I'll tell you without asking: my master is the great rich Capulet; and if you be not of the house of Montagues, I pray, come and crush a cup of wine. Rest you merry!” (31) This fortuitous meeting in early in the play ultimately leads to the encounter of Romeo and Juliet. At first sight, the two inundate their hearts with love and cannot shake this feeling without pursuing it further. In addition, the presence of Rosaline fresh in Romeo’s heart makes love a necessity for him, causing him to easily feel affection for Juliet. “For beauty starved with her severity cuts beauty off from all posterity. She is too fair, too wise, wisely too fair, to merit bliss by making me...

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... and Juliet. Fate gives Verona a bright, peaceful future to look ahead to through the making and breaking of a bond that two innocent lovers share. No matter how persistent Romeo and Juliet are in amending their destiny, they still yield to the inevitable. Fate’s acts in the play are truly in favor of the good of all humanity whether it seems like it or not. Two young live are sacrificed, but only to restore order to the city. There must always be an equivalent exchange in the world, so where there is bad fortune, there must also be good fortune hanging in the stars. Namely, Romeo and Juliet’s deaths are sullenly recognized by their kin, but, nevertheless result in the unification of Verona. This undisturbed harmony, furthermore, shifts the flow of humanity for the better.

Works Cited

Shakespeare, William. Rome and Juliet. Washington D.C.: Simon, 2004. Print.

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