Fate in "Romeo and Juliet"

Emphasizing fate's control over their destinies, the Prologue tells us these "star-cross'd lovers'" relationship is deathmark'd."
The lovers will be punished not because of flaws within their personalities but because fate is against them
"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 despisèd life closed in my breast By some vile forfeit of untimely death." Act 1 Scene 4
1. fate is used to create dramatic irony as the characters repeatedly foreshadow their deaths when speaking of fate
  1. "Go ask his name. The Nurse goes. If he be marrièd. My grave is like to be my wedding bed." Act 1 Scene 5
"O, I am fortune's fool!" Act 3 Scene 1
1. This seems to suggest that fate or "fortune" is responsible for Tybalt's death, not Romeo, showing how fate decides the actions of each character in the play
O Fortune, Fortune! All men call thee fickle. Act 3 Scene 5
1. Juliet references to fortune as fickle, as it has the power to raise to great heights or destroy, much like her love for Romeo
"I defy you, stars!" Act 5 scene 1
1. this shows the power of fate, as although the title characters try to escape it by their recourse to suicide they end up playing into its hands

Resource summary

	Created by Arianna Weaving almost 9 years ago