Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare’s highly-acclaimed drama is about two lovers who meet their fate and end their quarrels with their families, The Montagues and The Capulet. Romeo, Juliet and their masquerade companions meet. William Shakespeare was among those who have been drawn to the powerful idea that fate and destiny are both possible.
Everyone’s day is interrupted by fate. Different people have different feelings about fate. Some believe it strongly, others find it absurd, while some don’t care at all. Many times, however, fate can be a blessing in disguise, as shown in the case of William Shakespeare. Many coincidences are not accidental in the tragedy of Romeo-Juliet. Fate exerts a powerful influence throughout the play. It begins with the prologue and continues through the tragic ending when Romeo/Juliet become lovers. Shakespeare’s concepts of fate are introduced to the audience the first time he describes Romeo/Juliet and calls them “star-crossed” lovers. This refers to their doom from birth due to the position of planets at that particular time. The reader is shown that their fates are set no matter how Romeo or Juliet act throughout the play. Shakespeare continues to insert fate into his play by referring to Romeo and Juliet’s love as “Deathmark’d,” another word that describes fate. Shakespeare uses this word to inform the audience that Romeo’s and Juliet’s love will end in death. A reader can see that Romeo & Juliet are unable to control the fateful events that will eventually lead them to death because of the strong words “deathmarked” and “star-crossed”.
Shakespeare continues to use destiny after the prologue’s initial dose. Romeo, Juliet and Benvolio fall in love. Romeo and Benvolio are walking down the street next to Benvolio’s house (I.ii). A servant who is illiterate with a list inviting people to the Capulet party asks Romeo if he can read (I.ii). l. 57). These two seemingly small words are the catalyst for fate’s spiraling adventure. Romeo is unaware that reading the list will change his life. The grateful servant invites Romeo to the prestigious. Together they run. Fate intervenes. Romeo ends up taking his life just before Juliet wakes. Juliet commits suicide. If we go back to the time Romeo hears about Juliet’s death, it becomes clearer how fate played a role in their deaths. Romeo recalls an incident in his dream, which he recounts while he waits to meet Balthasar. “I dreamt I was found dead by my lady” (V. Romeo’s dream is a warning and may be a way to predict the future. Too many events happen by chance, affecting many lives. Many people seek answers. However, the truth lies within.
While it may be accepted that the Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet is about fate, certain events take place and are not due to characters’ consciences. The characters and the story are affected by these events from the beginning to the end. This play offers many lessons in love and hate. However, the main message is that we don’t always have control over what happens.
