Control In Romeo And Juliet

The course that a person’s life takes can seem far beyond their control, as if it has already been planned out for them; this is the concept of fate. Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet uses the theme of fate to tell the tragic story of the two lovers. In the prologue, the Chorus describes Romeo and Juliet as ‘star-crossed lovers’ who are destined to meet an untimely end. In order to be with each other, they have to face many challenges due to the ongoing feud between their families, the Montagues and Capulets. Although Romeo and Juliet try to fight against the odds to remain together, their tragic end is far beyond their control. Along the way, fate causes them to cross paths with both friends and foes such as Mercutio, Benvolio, the Nurse, Friar

First of all, Romeo discovers that there is a masquerade ball when through fate, a Capulet servant asks him for help to read the invitation letter from Capulet. If Romeo had never seen that letter and been encouraged to go to the ball by his friends Mercutio and Benvolio, he would never have met Juliet. Also, as Romeo is on his way to the ball, he begins to fear the possible consequences of going to the Capulet’s home and shares his worries with his friends. He believes that going to the ball may lead to the fate of an ‘untimely death’ and even foreshadows his own death when he says to his friends, “I fear too early; for my mind misgives / Some consequence yet hanging in the stars / Shall bitterly begin this fearful date….By some vile forfeit of untimely death” (I.IV.106-11). Lastly, when Romeo and Juliet first meet, they have an instant connection and immediately feel that they are meant to be together. After meeting Romeo, Juliet has completely fallen in love with him and says to the Nurse, “Go, ask his name. - If he be married, / My grave is like to be my wedding-bed” (I.V.133-4). Moreover, this is the result of fate creating a passionate love between them, even though they had just met that

One of the largest challenges they face is the ongoing feud between their families, the Capulets and the Montagues, “From ancient grudge break to new mutiny” (Prologue.3). Romeo and Juliet are meant to be enemies and any relationship between them would cause great chaos and anger among the two families. As well, Romeo and Juliet have to keep their relationship a secret, hiding it from everyone except a few trusted friends. This makes it much more difficult for them to visit each other because if Romeo is ever caught visiting Juliet, he will be killed. Also, Romeo kills Juliet’s cousin Tybalt to avenge Mercutio’s death. Consequently, Romeo is banished from Verona and he is distraught at the news, “Ha, banishment! Be merciful, say “death,” For exile hath more terror in his look, Much more than death. Do not say “banishment” (III.III.13-5). He would rather be killed for his crimes because banishment forces him to live his life without