Fate is used to control society and life itself, causing the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, while the Friar is a pawn in fate's doing. Stars are a big motif throughout the play, symbolizing fate. Events in the play refer to the motif of stars, meaning that fate has a role within it, "Some consequence yet hanging in the stars"( Shakespeare I.iv.107). Also, fortune symbolizes fate, as Romeo feels, "O, I am fortune's fool"(III.i.138). Characters throughout the entire play call Fate out by the name of "fortune", blaming it for the tragedies that surface. The Friar's idea that "birth and heaven and earth all do meet" ; connect it to the fact that fate controls who is born, who dies, and who lives (III.iii.120). Furthermore, Montague's statement Get
In the play, Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare has commonly used the concept of fate as being the main aspect leading to the consequential tragedies that occur. Fate is defined as a greater power predetermining a series of events ,with the movement of stars, and is something that cannot be changed by human. Shakespeare shows that fate is a main facet in the play through foreshadowing, rebellion/defiance and coincidence. Throughout the performance, shakespeare uses foreshadowing to hint tragic events that may later occur. After being declared banished from the city, Mantua, Romeo spends a night with his wife, Juliet, and leaves as soon as light peeks. As he leaves Juliet by climbing out of her window, Juliet suddenly feels a sharp pang of apprehension. She asks, 'O think'st thou we shall ever meet again?' (III.v.51), Romeo reassures her by stating that 'all these woes shall serve for sweet discourses in our time to come' (III.v.51–52). However Juliet, still filled with uncertainty, says: 'Methinks I see thee, now thou...show more content... Instead it was considered to be fate, a force that couldn't be described or challenged by human and is determined by the movement of stars. In Romeo and Juliet it is coincidental for Romeo to discover Juliet or to attend the ball at all. It is because of the actions taken and the how the characters portray themselves that steers them towards a path that has already been planned for them. Romeo states that 'He hath the steerage of my course, Direct my sail' (I.vi.113–114) meaning he knows that something is not right but decides to believe in fate and be steered towards the only path that he believes he can be directed to. Without the belief of fate, Romeo would never meet Juliet and have the experience of extreme passion and
In the poem, Juliet expresses three main traits: caution, passion, and loyalty. Juliet is extremely cautious when it comes to Romeus as she worries that his intentions are misguided. She demonstrates this when she proclaims, "But if by wanton love and by unlawful suit You think in ripest years to pluck my maidenhood's dainty fruit, You are beguiled." (Lines 86–88). However, once Romeus assures her of his love for her, her loyalty can be clearly seen. Juliet vows that she will remain loyal by stating, "Both me and mine I will all whole to you betake, And following you whereso you go, my father's house forsake." (Lines 84–85). Essentially, she would abandon her family to be with him. Finally, her passion ties in with her desires. The author notes that "of both that she rejoicГ©d more" and she says, "For you, mine own, once dead, what joy should I have here?" These quotes not only demonstrate her passion for Romeus, but it also proves that above all else, she desires to be...show more content...
This is particularly apparent as he continuously and secretly visits Juliet late at night at her house, despite the dangers. His actions help prove that his only desire is to be with Juliet. He wishes for a life that "in it [Juliet] might I love, you honour, serve and please." ( Line 513). However, their situation holds them back from truly expressing their love for one another. They are star crossed lovers with families that disapprove of their love to the extent that they are described as each other's "deadly foes." Overall, these characters help illustrate the main theme: romantic love. As a result of their actions and dialogue, they depict the passion and yearning that characterizes young love. Additionally, they prove that love is an overpowering force that transcends rational thinking and other emotions or values. I believe that as an effect of external forces, their love may be will be impaired which would further the
Fate is always referred as the stars, immovable, unwavering, and nonvolatile. People who believe in fate think it's predetermined and any outcomes are up to destiny. Romeo in Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare puts all the blame on fate, but his actions could have prevented their catastrophic end. Both Romeo and Juliet claim that their lives were governed by the jurisdiction of fate.. Some unexpected twists and turns misguided them to each other and disaster. Although fate might slightly contribute to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet, it was their choices that ultimately lead them to their demise. Romeo illustrates the naivety of youth and the desperation of a young man who is madly in love. In the beginning of the play Romeo decides to...show more content...
She gives up everything to be with her beloved, even her life. Juliet became extremely irrational when Romeo was banished from Verona because of his killing of Tybalt. She agrees to such a risky plan to reunite with Romeo without a second thought. She takes the vial from Friar Lawrence, "Give me, give me! O, tell me not of fear." (185). When Friar councils Juliet about the matter, he only offers one option. Which is to drink the sleeping potion to be whisked away by Romeo. Juliet does not criticize his plan, but immediately accept his ludicrous plan. If the plan was straightforward, there would be less of a chance of it messing up. If the plan was not botched, Romeo and Juliet would be living happily ever after rather than in their graves. She accepts the arrangement and she had the freedom to decline or offer a different one. While Romeo is the one who had plethora of affections for Juliet, she reciprocated these feelings by speeding up their relationship by tying the knot in a few days. Juliet offers, "If that thy bent of love be honorable. Thy purpose marriage, send me word tomorrow." (79). The rational decision for Juliet is to decline Romeo's love because of their families. Instead, she asked if Romeo would want to marry the next day. She had little information on him and her love was based on physical not on the heart. Juliet was the catalyst for the whole relationship between them. If she
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"Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes A pair of star–cross'd lovers take their life; Whose misadventured piteous overthrows Do with their death bury their parents' strife. The fearful passage of their death–mark'd love, And the continuance of their parents' rage, Which, but their children's end, nought could remove, Is now the two hours' traffic of our stage; The which if you with patient ears attend, What here shall miss, our toil shall strive to mend." The "star–cross'd lovers" spoken of in the monologue of Romeo and Juliet, are, of course, Romeo Montague and Juliet...show more content...
Throughout almost all of act 1 Romeo is heartbroken over Rosaline, until he sees Juliet. Laying his eyes on Juliet, Romeo says "Beauty too rich for use, for earth too dear!" (Act 1, Scene 5) saying that Juliet was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Furthermore, Romeo and Juliet's love changes their personalities, which further contributes to the theme of love within the story. At the beginning of the play, Juliet is a young girl who is very faithful to her family, and compliant to her elders. This is exemplified in Act 1, Scene 3 when Juliet is called by the nurse and comes forth at once saying "How Now! Who calls?" and also when she refers to her mother as "Madam". When Juliet meets Romeo, however, her faithfulness to her family is no longer the most important thing to her. Juliet's family, the Capulet's, and Romeo's family, the Montagues are foes, so the mere fact that Juliet would even associate with a Montague, let alone fall in love, shows her loss of devotion to the family. Meeting Romeo also helps Juliet to mature, she changes from being passive and not wanting to love a man, to being in love and wanting to start a relationship. "My only love, sprung from my only hate." (Act 1, Scene 5) Romeo is also matured by the relationship between him and Juliet. Romeo's first love towards Rosaline is lustful love but when Romeo meets Juliet, it is true, passionate love that Romeo is looking for.
"Two households, both alike in dignity, / In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, / From ancient grudge brakes to new mutiny, / Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. / From forth the fatal lions of these foes / A pair of star–crossed lovers take their life; / Whose misadventured piteous overthrows / Doth with their death bury their parent's strife. / The fearful passage of their death–marked love, / And the continuance of their parent's rage, / Which, but their children's end, naught could removeВ…" –The Prologue, Romeo and Juliet (by William Shakespeare). Fate plays a major role in the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. The prologue describes Romeo's and Juliet's fate, which we see come up many times later on in the play. Throughout the...show more content...
Going back on the events, fate has played its role many times. The quarrel between Tybalt and Mercutio is the aftermath of Romeo's appearance at the Capulet's Ball. When Mercutio is slain by Tybalt, Romeo seeks revenge, and in term, slays Tybalt. The tragic cycle of events is leaving Romeo no choice but to flee Verona and live in the shadows until his name is forgotten and he is able to go back. Much is happening while he is gone, and in the midst of all the chaos, Juliet is in great depression, which brings us back to her talk with the Friar. Juliet's father is a large disappointment, and his practical view of Juliet's marriage consumes him and pushes his actions to extreme limits. He is so outraged at Juliet for not wanting to marry Parris, he holds himself no more and speaks his true thoughts. Capulet. I tell thee what В– get thee to Church on Thursday Or never after look me in the face. Speak not, reply not, do not answer me! My fingers itch. 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! (III, vi, lines 162–169) Little does he know, that he is totally wrong. God ( representing fate), send Juliet to stop the ageless war. It is not "a curse in having her", but rather a blessing, which shall prove to be a tragic one indeed. The most fate driven event in the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, must be the misunderstanding
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Fate's Trap Do people still believe in fate and predetermined destiny that could shape love? In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare's theme of fate impels the star cross'd lovers who are destined to meet their demise. Fate seems to be against their will and forces their love to end in tragedy. In this romantic yet sad play, there is a supernatural power that impacts each scene of the story changing the outcomes to fit the theme of fate. The role of fate first plays a role in shaping the setting of the long family feud between the Capulets and the Montague in the streets of Verona. Fate controls all aspects of the setting of the scenes starting with the long family feud that is likely to become a hindrance to their passionate love. The prologue says, "From ancient grudge break to new mutiny," which gives us a clear understanding that the characters will likely face a conflict, an obstacle in the relationship of "a pair of star–crossed lovers". Moreover, fate drives Romeo and Juliet to meet at the party at...show more content...
We can see that their fates are sealed and they are already predestined to taste pain of death. In Act 2, the chorus begins with "passion lends them power, time means, to meet" which shows that the passion of love is hindered by fate. Fate does allow Romeo and Juliet to meet, but only under dreadful occasions. This quote tells us that their impetuous yet passionate relationship strengthens the bonds of love. Fate plays a role as it shapes the "time" with "tempering extremities" for the couples to face a new conflict which they have to endure. Shakespeare continues to foreshadow the bitter consequences of their "extreme sweet" love throughout the scenes in Act 2. However, the heavens themselves doomed their love from the beginning. When they tried to alter their destinies, the only result is to take the path of death as their love "too swift arrives as tardy as too
Jacob Spear Mrs. Murk Honors English 1 30 January 2014
Inescapable Fate
Many people don 't believe that fate even exists. These people feel that one controls his or her own future. But in the case of the play, Romeo and Juliet written by Willian Shakespeare, this is not true. Romeo and Juliet is a story about two "star–crossed lovers" who ultimately die due to their fate. Since the moment they first time they met, things began in motion. These two lovers could not have done anything to change their course of fate, thus, why the story of Romeo and Juliet is a story controlled by fate, rather than a tragedy. In the very first act of Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare clearly states that the play is controlled by fate. In the prologue, it states that "a pair of star–cross 'd lovers take their life" (I. Prologue. 5–6). Shakespeare refers to them as star–crossed lovers because they are doomed due to the position of the planets when they were born. In other words, he is saying that these two lovers will die because of fate and will have no way of preventing it. Later in that act, shortly after meeting Juliet, Romeo says, I fear, too early: for my mind misgives Some consequence yet hanging in the stars Shall bitterly begin his fearful date With this night 's revels and expire the term Of a despised life, clos 'd in my breast, By some vile forfeit of untimely death. (I. iv. 106–111) Romeo is saying he has a premonition that he will be controlled by fate and eventually lead to a
Romeo and Juliet is a classic love story written by William Shakespeare, in the Elizabethan era of English history. The work tells of the fatal attraction between Romeo and Juliet, how they met and why, their falling in love and their ultimate sacrifice for each other's love, their actual lives. Fate has complete control, is a theme that is riddled throughout the text written by Shakespeare. It is essentially pointing out the view that everything we do or will, is at the mercy of fate, and whatever we do to counteract it, fate still holds the final judgement over our lives. This theme is also prevalent in cinematic codes written into both the visual representations of the Shakespearean love story by Franco Zefirelli and Baz Luhrmann. Two...show more content...
While Romeo is accompanying her, Zefirelli uses more visual code to express the importance that fate has complete control. A visual code that he uses is the lighting effect on the scene. By using a full moon, Franco encapsulates to the viewers sense that he is out in the open, exposed to being caught because of the moonlight. But the film shows contrary to this statement, implying the theme on the situation. Fate is also associated with fairy tales and sorcery, as the full moon is to them. Using the full moon as a symbolic code, he relates back to the theme of fate again. Baz Luhrmann, another acclaimed movie director also recreated the story of the two "star crossed lovers". Again because of the medium the story is portrayed in, he can also acquire the use of symbolic, audio and visual codes. Baz Luhrmann just under over uses these to keep his audience compelled to the edge of their seats, to watch the film. Using large amounts of cinematic code, the spectator's attentions are at the mercy of the movie. The way Luhrmann uses visual codes are similar yet different to those used by Franco Zefirelli in his representation of the story. The same important scene used above is the point when it is obvious. Romeo is in the back of Benvolios convertible, he then jumps out, and runs to scale the Capulet mansion wall. In Luhrmann's version of the play rite, he adds a security dispatchment, in the same area Romeo is climbing the wall. The
Fate. Who would have guessed that this simple word would play such a powerful role in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." Fate, during the 16th century, is believed to govern one's life, from the food he/she eats to the time he/she dies. Shakespeare reflected this ideology in the play where fate, using the characters as pawns to his game, inevitably checkmates the lives of Romeo and Juliet. The star crossed lovers met because of fate, seperated because of fate, and die because of fate. Thus, Romeo and Juliet were helpless in their attempt to to trick fate. As a result, this upraised the tragicness of the ending because the lovers, given the illusion that there is still light in the tunnel, inevitable find themselves helpless victims of fate, powerless to stop their death. Fate makes his first move by making the Montague and the Capulet servants appear at the same time, in the same place that Sunday afternoon. In setting the scene this way, fate topples the domino that erupted in a fight between the two parties, ultimately leading to the prince's declaration that "If [the families] ever disturbed [the] streets again/ [their] lives shall pay for the forfeit of ...show more content...
The dialogue demonstrates her brilliance because she easily confessed her love to Romeo while masking it using verbal irony. Shakespeare portrays Juliet in this manner to further support the idea that fate is above all. Fate's mind outwits Juliet's, and Fate's skill outduels the King of Cats. This deepens the tragedy that Romeo and Juliet are in, showing them that they will die with no way to overpower fate. This ideology of fate resonates the message that sometimes, things are destined to happen and nothing can be done to change it. Instead of challenging it, one must accept that as reality and move
"Sometimes the road of life takes an unexpected turn and you have no choice but to follow it to end up in the place you are supposed to be." Written anonymously. Romeo and Juliet is a timeless play written by the famous author William Shakespeare. Two young children end up dead because of their unconditional love for each other. In this case, Fate should be responsible for the deaths of Romeo and Juliet because of Romeo meeting Juliet at the Capulet party, Romeo banished from Verona, as well as Juliet drinking the potion to kill her. Even before Romeo and Juliet met, fate had already made plans for them. When they would meet, they would forget all about their past about who was a Montague and who was a Capulet, all they would focus on would be the love of each other. For example, "From forth the fatal loins of these two foes, A pair of star crossed lovers take their lives" (Prologue line 5,6). The prologue shows, Romeo and Juliet both are like stars. They have their own life and their own choices but something along the way made them cross paths thus beginning the count down to their death. The Capulet Party was the first place their stars crossed. This is important because, Fate had planned for both of their stars to meet here. Making Romeo forget about Rosaline and Juliet to forget about Paris. If it were not for fate, the star–crossed lovers would have never met which would mean Juliet would probably be married to Paris and Romeo would most likely not be able to forget Rosaline. Another Example to represent fate errors brought upon would be when , Romeo reads the guest list from the servant, who cannot read, "My fair niece Rosaline...." (Act I scene 2 line 69). This shows, if the illiterate servant had went to someone else besides Romeo, the Montigue would never have seen Rosaline would at party. Romeo risked his life to go to this rivals party for his So–called love Rosaline. This is important because, the guest list was sort of a beginning for the love of Romeo and Juliet. If the servant had went to another person, Romeo and Juliet would have never met at the party nor would they have fallen in love. This party lead to the Romeo finally meeting Lord Capulets daughter Juliet. If the servant had asked Get
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17 April 2015
The tragic fate of Romeo and Juliet
Some people may not believe that fate is something real that actually exists in the world. These people doubt that there is anything that is meant to be or supposed to happen, thinking that there is always a way around difficult problems, thinking that it isn't necessarily going to end up a certain way. They believe that whatever happens in their lives comes as a result of the choices that they make with their ownfree will. Others, however, know that whatever will happen during the path of their lives is inevitable, and every moment is predetermined and set before them like some sort of map; in layman's terms, fate. Shakespeare's play, Romeo and Juliet, has fate as...show more content... Take this for example, instead of knowing about Friar Lawrence's plan, Romeo gets told by Balthasar about Juliet's supposed "death": "Her body sleeps in Capel's monument, / And her immortal part with angels lives" (Act V Scene I, lines 19–20). Though it seems like just another random coincidence that Balthasar was the one to give the news to Romeo about Juliet's "death", it's more than likely that fate was the primary cause of it all. Because of fate, Balthasar came to Romeo and told him what he thought was true, but the news that Balthasar gives is the cause of Romeo's death . Friar Lawrence's plan is also completely foiled, because Friar John is held back in quarantine and not able to send word to Romeo: "I could not send it / Nor get a messenger to bring it thee, / So fearful were they of infection" (Act V Scene iii, lines 14–16). Because Friar Lawrence's message is of utmost importance to his plan, the fact that it's never sent turns out to be deadly for poor Romeo. Romeo, not knowing that Juliet isn't actually dead, makes a huge mistake that leads himself and Juliet toward their deaths. The fate that overruled the friar's plan leaves Romeo with a death wish, which destines the two lovers to their tragic fate:
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William Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet Romeo and Juliet written by William Shakespeare, tells the story of too unfortunate lovers caught up in their family's hatred which in the end leads to the tragic deaths of both lovers. Classical Greek tragedy influenced Renaissance writers greatly Shakespeare was no exception. According to the dictionary, fate is 'the supposed force, principle, or power that predetermines event.' Which means that it is out of our hands. I believe Shakespeare wanted his audience to believe that fate was to blame rather than the actions of the characters. In "Romeo and Juliet" there are many references to the stars and fate; this makes it clear that the play is a classical...show more content...
'Your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace.' This is the first insight of fate stepping in. Romeo wasn't involved in the fight, as he was very much in to himself at this point feeling sorry for himself and lusting after the love of Rosaline. 'Bid a sick man in sadness make his will– a word ill urg'd to one that is so ill: in sadness, cousin, I do love a woman.' This show's that Romeo falls in love very easily and is one of his floors and pretension downfalls. The way in which Romeo and Juliet met has a link to fate, in act one scene two a serving man asks Romeo and Benvolio to read the invitation for the Capulet's party as he cant read and he invites them along. 'My master the is the great rich Capulet, and if you be not of the house of Montagues, I pray you come and crush a cup– of wine.' Benvolio Mercutio and Romeo decide they will go to the party Romeo is unsure about the party as he had a dream. 'I fear to early for my mind misgives some consequence yet hanging in the stars shall bitterly begin his fearful date with this night revels, and expire the term of a depised life clos'd in my breast. 'By some vile forfeit of untimely death.' Before Romeo goes he foreshadows the event and in his heart and mind he knows that something will go wrong, although he feels uneasy about the situation he goes and know that his love Rosaline will be there. Romeo has
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Decisions and choices– an act of or need for making up one's mind, and the right, power, or opportunity to choose. Fate– a four letter word, a noun defined as the development of events beyond a person's control, regarded as being determined by a supernatural power. These are what many can believe as the most powerful forces that shape our future. The playwright, William Shakespeare, wrote a tragedy of two youngsters in love. This tale was filled with drama, mixed–emotions, laughs, heartbreaks, and affection. Written as a tragedy, the play had ended like other Shakespearean tragedies had ended; in death. The death was inevitable because of decisions and choices made fates were shaped and had played a part in the events that blossomed the love of two star–crossed lovers. As an illustration, picture two families at war with each other, a feud that everyone gets caught in the crossfire. For instance, when innocent citizens are tired of watching their supposed 'peaceful' streets get disturbed by the feud, and as the prologue states, "A pair of star–crossed lovers take their life." (Prologue.6) The feud was poison for the city of Verona and its citizens. Besides crummy choices were made, therefore a cursed destiny was created for two naive lovers. Accordingly, some may argue that, with the few made up facts and exaggerations in the play, the scenes should be credited as random occurrences instead events made up of fate and some questionable choices. It seems as if the