Fate in Romeo and Juliet

The main theme of fate, in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, is shown throughout the play within subtle comments made by characters, the imagery in the stars, and different writing styles. The prologue describes Romeo's fate, as well as Juliet's, which appears many times later in the play. Throughout the play, Romeo and Juliet unwillingly realize their love has no chance in their current situation of war and hate. A tragic fate awaits them. The two families, the Montagues and the Capulets, are rivals throughout the entire play, until this tragic fate takes its toll on the lovers.

There are multiple events that foreshadow Romeo and Juliet's tragic future together. As early as the first scene of the play, there is evidence restating the information given in the prologue. "Romeo:…And makes himself an artificial night" (Shakespeare 38). This passage is a foreshadowing of Romeo's suicide. Montague adds to the effects of foreshadowing when he states, "Unless good council may the cause remove" (Shakespeare 140). In the first act, Romeo is introduced. His great sadness is obvious and the theme of love is presented. Through Romeo's mellow mood we see how desperate he is for love. Romeo falls in love with Juliet, the daug

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The prince finally sees how fate played a major role in Romeo's death, and Juliet's. The first meeting between Romeo and Juliet starts the chain of tragic events that eventually brings peace to the streets of Verona, and deep sorrow to the quarreling families. Wife, we scarce though us blest, that God has lent us but this only child; But now I see this one is one too much, and that we have a curse in having her out on her, hilding!

(Shakespeare III, VI, lines 162-169) Little does he know, that he is horribly wrong. He is ready to kill him and believes that Romeo is his sworn enemy. While Romeo is gone, Juliet undergoes great misery, which coaxes her to talk with the Friar once again. hter of an enemy to the house of Montagues. I could not send it - here it is again- nor get a messenger to bring it thee, so fearful were they if infection. The destined lovers realize their love cannot be pure and simple, and no matter what the attempt, it will be tragic. When Mercutio is slain by Tybalt, Romeo seeks revenge, and in turn, slays Tybalt. Romeo becomes blinded by anger and shows little control over his feelings, or physical actions. ” (Shakespeare I, vi, lines 54-59)"

The situation worsens as Tybalt shows the intent to kill Romeo when he says to his Father "I will withdraw; but this intrusion shall, now seeming sweet; convert to bitt'rest gall. The most fate driven event in the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, is the misunderstanding of Juliet's death by the Romeo's ambassador and the inability of the messenger to deliver the Friar's letter to Romeo. “That heaven finds means to kill your joys with love.

Approximate Word count = 1403
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

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