Fate in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet

Fate is one of the main themes in Romeo and Juliet, described as having power over many of the events in the play. Fate is often called upon, and blamed for tragic things that happen. Human weakness, the loss of self-control, is always the direct cause of a bad choice, and not fate itself. one of the most noted event is where fate is blamed for an accident, is when Romeo cries out the he by all accounts is fortune's fool. He claims that fate has brought on Mercutio's death, and has lead him to kill Tybalt in payback.

In Act 3, Scene 1 of Romeo and Juliet, Romeo is upset at Mercutio's death and predicts that the “days black fate on more days doth depend.” Tybalt then re-enters and Romeo becomes more upset that Tybalt is proud with Mercutio being dead. Tybalt responds as expected and threatens Romeo. Romeo takes the threat, then fights Tybalt until Tybalt is finally killed. while many people may say that Romeo's sadness caused him to kill Tybalt, there is no evidence that fate had anything to do with it. Leaving was a choice that Romeo had, and would most likely have spared Tybalt's life and the penalty of his own death.

Romeo's comment on black fate is a thought that foreshadows ill events in the future. While fate is viewed to have played an significant part in Juliet's death, it is instead Capulet's failing in loss of control, and the Friar's weakness to stay true to the reason that causes her death. The scene starts with Friar John entering to see Friar Laurence. When Friar John tells that he went to visit the sick first, Friar Laurence realizes the serious penalty of what may happen. As a result of Romeo not getting the Friar's letter, Romeo comes to believe that Juliet is dead and then kills himself.

While at first it seems as though Romeo missing the letter is just pure bad luck, it is actually Friar John's choice not to go directly to Mantua, as ordered by Friar Laurence. maybe the final part of made-up fate neighboring the deaths of Romeo and Juliet is in the Capulet family tomb when Juliet awakens.