Comparing Fate's 'Free Will In Romeo And Juliet'

Rileigh Combes, Shravya Adiraju, Sophia Munoz, Turner Knuth

Mr. Bassett

Honors 9th Literature and Composition

14 February 2023

Romeo and Juliet Argumentative Essay

Fate is said to be determined by supernatural powers as it is the development of events beyond a person’s control. The word “fate” roots back to the latin word “fatum” which means “that which has been spoken.” In the play Romeo and Juliet, the theme of fate plays a powerful role in determining the destiny of the two “star-crossed lovers” as they face the treacherous obstacles on their way to each other. Destiny and predestination are often associated with fate since both possess a similar meaning. On the other hand, free will is an antonym for fate because it essentially shows how

In the play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakeshere, fate is a prevalent theme throughout the story. It is shown when Mercutio is slain by Tybalt. In retaliation, Romeo murders Tybalt out of anger and anguish before he exclaims, "O, I am fortune’s fool!” (3.1.134). This scene is referring to Romeo’s belief saying the previously mentioned events had been bound to happen, and there is nothing he could have done to stop the deaths of Mercutio and Tybalt. The theme of fate is portrayed here because fate is what led Romeo to killing Tybalt and becoming a fugitive. These events ultimately resulted in the demise of Romeo and Juliet. Additionally, fate is often referred to as an event which is beyond one’s control. An example of fate would be if someone happened to be going to a location they had a horrible feeling about, and suddenly, they realized their car had a flat tire which prevented them from reaching their destination. This event can be an example of fate

Their undying love is set to end in death with the two “star-crossed lovers” having no control over what happened. The author of the article “Romeo and Juliet: A Tragedy? Or just a misunderstanding?” states, “They were destined to meet and destined to die. Indeed, the prologue calls the two leads ‘star crossed lovers,’ meaning lovers doomed by the stars, or destiny” (Romeo and Juliet: A Tragedy? Or just a misunderstanding?). This statement is explaining how fate brought Romeo and Juliet together, and it is what ultimately tore them apart from each other. Fate is uncontrollable and determines the courses of the future. In the play, Shakespeare makes numerous references to the stars, which symbolize destiny. The former statement shows how Romeo and Juliet never had any control over the path their lives would take, and their sudden deaths proved to be inevitable. They did not determine their love or death. Furthermore, when Romeo hears about Juliet's “death,” he cries out against fate saying, “Then, I defy you,stars!” (5.1.24). Romeo believes the stars, or destiny, caused Juliet’s death, and he had no control over the situation. It is an excellent example of fate in Romeo and Juliet because the misunderstanding led Romeo to taking his own life to be with Juliet. Perhaps if the two had not been destined to fall in love and die together, Romeo and Juliet might’ve escaped their