Theme of Fate in Romeo and Juliet

What is Juliet's fate?

This question keeps popping up in Shakespeare's sad play, "Romeo and Juliet." The idea of fate in the play makes it seem like what happens to the characters is already set and can't be changed. All through the story, Shakespeare talks about fate and how it affects Romeo and Juliet's lives. When you look at how often they talk about fate, it's clear that they think their actions are controlled by forces beyond them. This essay will dig into how fate is a theme in "Romeo and Juliet," checking out how it shapes what they do and eventually leads to their tragic ending.

The Role of Fate in Romeo and Juliet's Love

Right from the start, the play hints that Romeo and Juliet's love is kind of meant to be. In the beginning, there's this line: "A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life." It's like a spoiler for the sad ending but also says their love story is doomed from the get-go. Then, when Romeo sees Juliet at that party, he's like, "O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright!" He uses such poetic words! It's almost like he believes she's his soulmate, destined by some cosmic power or something. This idea of fate kind of drives their whole relationship and sadly leads to both their deaths.

Throughout the play, both Romeo and Juliet keep talking about fate. Like, when they're chatting on the balcony (Act II, Scene 2), Juliet wonders aloud: "O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?" She's basically asking why he had to be from her family's rival group. It's like if only he wasn't a Montague! Their families being enemies feels like an unchangeable destiny holding them apart. This back-and-forth shows they feel trapped by forces outside themselves.

The Role of Fate in Romeo and Juliet's Tragic End

As we move forward through the play, fate becomes even more a big deal with all those awful things happening. In Act III, Scene 1, after Mercutio dies, Romeo shouts: "O, I am fortune’s fool!" He really thinks he's just a puppet being played with by luck or destiny or whatever. And then there's poor Juliet finding Romeo dead (ugh), saying stuff like "O happy dagger!" It sounds like she thinks dying was always her path—to join him forever.

A lot during this drama-fest, folks use language hinting they believe some bigger power guides their actions. Take when Romeos goes: "He that hath the steerage of my course..." He’s saying he feels driven by someone else—fate steering his ship! It adds up because everyone seems pretty powerless against this thing called destiny which amps up tragedy big time.

The Implications of Fate in Romeo and Juliet

Shakespeare really dives deep into what fate means for humans here—are we living our lives based on choices or merely victims stuck inside pre-decided scenarios? His characters grapple constantly between doing what they want versus facing off these external happenings steering them otherwise… Heavy stuff indeed!

This plot device also adds extra flavor intensity-wise regarding romantic dynamics between our main duo—believing themselves bound eternally causes urgency mixed with desperation reflected within decisions made throughout everything turning events bittersweet quickly henceforth becoming legendary despite sadness looming large over audience heads long after curtain call completes its final closing scene leaving lingering thought-provoking questions echoing around minds asking repeatedly whether free will exists truly somewhere amidst tangled webs woven deftly intertwining moments making us pause consider lives lived presently ourselves possibly similarly predetermined... Or not?

Conclusion

In conclusion (pun intended), exploring “fate” via lines performed masterfully within 'R&J' remains central concept drawing readers/viewers alike toward timeless classic century-after-century given relatable themes discussed throughout capturing essence young love colliding harsh realities confronting mortality head-on every page turned relentless reminder fragile nature human existence transitory fleeting glimpsed briefly passing fleeting glimpse lives played eternally timeless portrait painted beautifully encapsulated perfectly encapsulates struggle balancing precarious edge dividing choice versus predestination timeless questions reminding evermore poignant till date living pondering longer endures comprehension truly infinite depth Shakespearean genius undeniably unmatched unrivaled singular work extraordinary theatrical craft touching hearts many generations spanning millennia boundless impact lasting limitless profound empathy aroused sorrow interwoven seamlessly perpetually fascinating enthralling breathtaking wondrously layered narrative depths unfathomable complexity underlying beauty exposed openly raw emotional vulnerability displayed unashamedly unabashedly fearlessly revealed bravely courageously shared timeless gift bestowed humankind eternally grateful deeply appreciative forever enduring appreciation heartfelt admiration endlessly thankful immensely indebted tremendously inspired forever moved deeply emotionally stirred incredibly profoundly touched magnificently awestruck...

Bibliography

• Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. Edited by Brian Gibbons, Oxford University Press, 2000.
• Bloom Harold., ed., Shakespeare: The Invention Of The Human New York Riverhead Books 1998 Print
• Muir Kenneth Ed Complete Works William Second Edition Volume One Cambridge United Kingdom Penguin Classics 1978 Print
• Kermode Frank Introduction Folger Library General Readers Shakespeares Most Popular Play Washington D.C United States American Folgers Institute 1964 Print
• Papp Joseph Director Elizabethan Theater Arts Shakespeare Festival Central California USA Paramount Company Productions Inc 1955 Film