The fact that a Montague and Capulet are falling in love is ironic as their families are sworn enemies. Romeo and Juliet are aware that their love is forbidden, “a pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life” and yet, the stars, associated with writing destiny, are not in their favour. Mourning over his heartbreak from Roselyn, an illiterate servant asks Romeo to read to him an invitation to the Capulet’s ball. Fate influences Romeo’s decision to go to the ball through Benvolio’s persuasion. Romeo and Juliet meet at the ball and, falling in love immediately. Juliet foresees their future, “I have no joy of this contract tonight, it is too rash, too unadvised, too sudden”. She is being cautious while Romeo believes it is destiny.
Romeo is convinced that he is in the hands of fate. He believes this so strongly that he allows fate to guide his actions. Tybalt kills Mercutio. Romeo, caught up in his anger, allows himself to forget that Tybalt is his wife’s, Juliet’s, cousin and he allows destiny to take over while anger clouds his judgement as he murders Tybalt. He is aware fate is controlling his actions and is manipulating his best efforts, “Oh, I am Fortunes Fool” and he is powerless.
Romeo and Juliet’s’ passion leads to events occurring too quickly that they have no control over the situations. Friar Laurence warns when he marries them that “violent delights have violent ends”., Ddestiny and passion are working together and their hasty actions are leading to a tragic end. Friar Laurence foresees their future and “unhappy fortune” occurs when Romeo is exiled from Verona and the letter from the Friar explaining how Juliet feels is the plan caught in the plaguenever reaches Romeo – another occurrence that they have no control over. Destiny is controlling what happens between the lovers.
The lovers’ haste and Romeo’s vulnerability is working in unison, contributing to their deaths. They have a choice, yet fate is subconsciously controlling the choices they make. The two are blinded by love and allows fate to guide their actions and choices. A hidden power is controlling their lives, which is evident in the play Romeo and Juliet, through the situations that occur.
Word count: 405 words
A thorough, well planned essay.
Excellent choice of and integration of quotes.
Essay: 22.5/25
Plan 5/5
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