Fate in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

Fate in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

The phrase “a pair of star-crossed” lovers first appears in the

prologue of the story so you immediately get the impression of a love

story. The Elizabethans were big fans of astrology and horoscopes and

the idea of fate was a big part of the Elizabethan lifestyle.

Throughout the story the characters mention fate, or how its God’s

choice to make there decisions. The reader knows immediately that

Romeo and Juliet are going to die after reading the prologue so the

questions are asked why would two star-crossed lovers end up dying?

Shakespeare was famous for his tragedy plays and it was him who

controlled the characters but he uses the words of the characters

themselves to map out there own fate.

We must look at what the characters say to see how they suggest fate

in their lives. The three key scenes where fate is shown are at the

Capulet’s party, the fight scene with Tybalt, Romeo and Mercutio, and

the death of Romeo and Juliet.

At the Capulet party, Romeo knows that he shouldn’t be there, but

comes along anyway not knowing what to expect. He notices that his ex

love Rosaline is that the party and as he loves her no more his heart

is open for a new women. It was by pure chance that he happens to meet

Juliet at the exact time he did, and manage to get a chance to talk

with her and kiss her. He says, " Did my heart love till now? Forswear

it, sight! For ne'er saw true beauty till this night."

He is already declaring his love to Juliet and wants to contain their

love with marriage.

After Tybalt has seen Romeo and Capulet stops him from causing

trouble, Tybalt states “I will withdraw, but this intrusion shall, Now

seeming sweet, convert to bitt’rest gall”

This gives the idea that Tybalt will not let this go and the two will

meet again in the future.

In the same scene it cuts to Juliet and her Nurse.