One of the oldest and most debated questions of all time is whether our lives are governed by fate or by our personal choice. William Shakespeare, in Romeo and Juliet, brings this question to the surface. Although fate seems to control what happens to Romeo and Juliet their choices contribute more to their "fate" than fate itself.
             Although some reasons that Romeo and Juliet die are out of their control fate is not the largest reason that the lovers end up dying. For example, when Romeo hears of Juliet's death before he is told that it is being faked. Romeo heard of his love's death and rushed to her side to kill himself so he may lie with Juliet. The choice to kill himself is his alone, no one forces him to do it. The unfortunate circumstance that stops the Friar's assistant from delivering his message also aids the death of the lover's but does not cause it. Romeo doesn't need to hear of the Friar's and Juliet's deception to stop them from dying. If he hadn't have done anything drastic they would both have been alive and well. Also, Juliet could have told people about her marriage to Romeo, accepted the consequences and then there would be no need for the "fateful" message. Still, fate or circumstances above their control do play a large role in determining the fate of the two young lovers.
             It seems like Romeo and Juliet have the curse of bad luck throughout this story. Fate seems to cause Mercutio to be killed by Tybalt under Romeo's arm. This causes Romeo to want to avenge Mercutio's death and Romeo then slays Tybalt. Hence, Romeo is forced to leave Verona or die and therefore one more circumstance out of their control contributes to their deaths. This situation is put on Romeo without his consent. Romeo and the choice of whether or not to avenge Mercutio's murder. Tybalt does not attack Romeo. Romeo goes after Tybalt with the intent to kill him. To take it a step further, Romeo could stay in Verona and face ...