Fate In Romeo And Juliet

Even in the 21st Century, when logic and science may say otherwise, many people still believe their life is written in stone. Most people read horoscopes on a daily basis looking for warnings, assurance, or guidance. This philosophy dates back many centuries ago and was exist during the Elizabethan era. According to Sue Toohey, even Queen Elizabeth consulted an astrologist before holding her coronation day on January 15, 1559. This idea has been Though diversely debatable Shakespeare brings up the question of fate in his iconic play Romeo and Juliet. From the very beginning of the play, the two lovers both from opposing families, Romeo a Montague and Juliet a Capulet, are bound to love and eventually death. It’s through precise timing, Fate

Romeo, so captivated by his love for Juliet, decides to get married. The timing of this marriage, however, proves to be detrimental. Before Juliet enters Friar Laurence’s cell as they are about the get married, Romeo expresses his undying love for Juliet to Friar Laurence: “But come what sorrow can, / It cannot countervail the exchange of joy / That one short minute gives me in her sight. / Do thou but close our hands with holy words, / Then love-devouring death do what he dare, / It is enough I may but call her mine” (2.6.3-8). Romeo again alludes to his own death unintentionally. As long as he can call Juliet his wife, he invites Death to do his worst so captivated by her beauty and seduced by his devoted love. What Romeo does not realize is the consequences that are going to spring.. Fate, using the impulsiveness of their love against them, manipulates them to continue to follow passion and abandon moderation. Friar Laurence even tries to warn Romeo: “These violent delights have violent ends, / And in their triumph die, like fire and powder / Which as they kiss consume. The sweetest honey / Is loathsome in his own deliciousness. / And in the taste confounds the appetite. / Therefore, love moderately, long love doth so, / Too swift arrive as tardy too slow” (2.6.9-15). Friar Laurence’s words are more than a

This result of their impulsiveness is not the result of free will but rather Fate, who blah blah blah. Fate who commenced the love between Romeo and Juliet also determined their death from the beginning, using love against Romeo, rather than their death being of choice. their actions were in haste but no matter what they did, their fate was still death When Romeo hears the news of Juliet’s supposed death from Balthazar, he expresses, “Then I defy you, stars!” (5.1.24). Just as Romeo longs to live for love, he longs to die to be with Juliet. Romeo, recognizing Fate’s work in all his actions thus far, believes that Fate is attempting to keep him from Juliet. Therefore, it may look like Romeo is committing an act of free will by defying star but he is only ensuring his fate. Readers know Fate’s true intentions are not to keep the two apart. They were destined to fall in love just as they were destined to die together. Therefore, Romeo in an attempt to defy his predetermined destiny, ironically secures his fate to die alongside Juliet. Oblivious to the plan Friar Laurence put into place for the both of them to be together, Romeo continues to follow his passion for love and to be near Juliet, even as he kills himself. Furthermore, free will plays no part in the tragedy because Fate’s goal is completed in the