Romeo and Juliet Essay
Romeo and Juliet: Did Fate End it All?
In the story, Romeo and Juliet, the two young lovers are destined to fall in love. The story, however, has a tragic ending. William Shakespeare foreshadows the theme of fate in the Prologue with the quote, “A pair of star crossed lovers take their life.” (Prologue, L6) Fate represents a greater power that predetermines events in their lives and is unchangeable. Back in William Shakespeare’s time, the Elizabethans believed that this power rules above everything and that everything is meant to happen. Their beliefs are the root of Shakespeare’s inspiration. Romeo and Juliet is a play plagued by a cruel overwhelming fate which causes the deaths of both of them.
It seems, the power of fate is inescapable during those times and Romeo and Juliet are its victims. The foreshadowing in the prologue already insinuates that Romeo and Juliet are destined for a bad fortune. The story points to a positive outcome to the unfortunate ending: the end of the feud between the Capulets and the Montagues. “Doth with their death bury their parent’s strife.” (Prologue, L.10) This quote supports the fact that the deaths of Romeo and Juliet were predetermined in order for the Capulets and Montagues to finally bury the hatchet. From the very first page of the play, (prologue) we see that fate is set to put Romeo and Juliet together but also end their love in tragedy.
Secondly, the play features many coincidences on how Romeo and Juliet met. The story brings us to a Masquerade party Romeo attended where his supposed love, “Rosaline”, was present. By chance, Romeo met the illiterate Capulet serving man and helped him with reading the invitations. In return for the help, Romeo is given an invitation to the Capulet party. After reading the guest list, Romeo notices Rosaline’s name on the list and decides to attend. At the party, everyone is donning masks making it hard to recognize each other. This fact brings fate
In the story, Romeo and Juliet, the two young lovers are destined to fall in love. The story, however, has a tragic ending. William Shakespeare foreshadows the theme of fate in the Prologue with the quote, “A pair of star crossed lovers take their life.” (Prologue, L6) Fate represents a greater power that predetermines events in their lives and is unchangeable. Back in William Shakespeare’s time, the Elizabethans believed that this power rules above everything and that everything is meant to happen. Their beliefs are the root of Shakespeare’s inspiration. Romeo and Juliet is a play plagued by a cruel overwhelming fate which causes the deaths of both of them.
It seems, the power of fate is inescapable during those times and Romeo and Juliet are its victims. The foreshadowing in the prologue already insinuates that Romeo and Juliet are destined for a bad fortune. The story points to a positive outcome to the unfortunate ending: the end of the feud between the Capulets and the Montagues. “Doth with their death bury their parent’s strife.” (Prologue, L.10) This quote supports the fact that the deaths of Romeo and Juliet were predetermined in order for the Capulets and Montagues to finally bury the hatchet. From the very first page of the play, (prologue) we see that fate is set to put Romeo and Juliet together but also end their love in tragedy.
Secondly, the play features many coincidences on how Romeo and Juliet met. The story brings us to a Masquerade party Romeo attended where his supposed love, “Rosaline”, was present. By chance, Romeo met the illiterate Capulet serving man and helped him with reading the invitations. In return for the help, Romeo is given an invitation to the Capulet party. After reading the guest list, Romeo notices Rosaline’s name on the list and decides to attend. At the party, everyone is donning masks making it hard to recognize each other. This fact brings fate