William Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet
In the love story "Romeo and Juliet" by Shakespeare, the young
couple’s undeniable love pushes them to the extremes of marriage and
death in the face of their ancient family feud. These are
“Star-crossed lovers” and this theme of chance and fate is ever
present in the play. Shakespeare directs the audience to this theme by
introducing it so early in his prologue. The audience, knowing what
will happen, can focus on the elements of fate and the ominous
warnings throughout the tragic story.
From the beginning the lovers are doomed and the play begins in
ominous violence as the two families, the Capulets and the Montagues,
brawl in the streets.
“If ever you disturb our streets again your lives shall pay to forfeit
the peace.” This exclamation by the prince is fateful because, if he
hadn’t said this Romeo would not have been banished for killing Tybalt
later on in the story. Another aspect of fate is his love of Rosaline,
which is not returned; he would not have met Juliet, if Rosaline had
loved him as well. Another element of chance and fate occurs where a
servant cannot read the Capulet ball guest list and ends up
approaching Romeo for help, and as Romeo wants to see Rosaline he
jumps at the chance. The ball is by chance, masked and allows Romeo to
enter the Capulet house.
The next event leading from the ball, which has aspects of fate to it,
is the meeting the day after the Capulet family ball. This part of the
play is overwhelming with love but the intense foreboding overshadows
it.
‘I fear too early for my mind misguides some consequence yet hanging
in the stars shall bitterly begin his fearful date with this night
reveals, and expire the term of a despised life closed in my breast By
some night forfeit of untimely death’
This shows the fear Romeo has just before he attends the ball.
Shortly after the ball scene commences Romeo and Juliet meet for the