Romeo and Juliet William Shakespeare explores fate and free will. Some people think fate determines the play's events, while others argue that the character's choices and actions determine their fate. The text evidences fate and free will play essential roles in the tragic ending. Free will is arguably the most crucial factor in this play that determines the outcome.
"O, I am fortune's fool!" Romeo exclaims in Act I Scene IV. (line 136). He is represented as a victim of fate. This implies that Romeo believes he has no control over his future. Even the wise and great Friar Laurence acknowledges fate's role in Act III, stating that "a stronger power than we can refute hath hindered our designs" (V.3.155-156). According to this, fate is something beyond our control that will significantly impact the play.
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Romeo's choice to get revenge on Tybalt after Mercutio got killed is the essence of free will in action. He could have decided against seeking revenge but chose to act independently. He had choices but free will because he was not forced to seek Tybalt. He decided, instead too. Juliet also displays agency and control over her life by choosing to fake her death to avoid being forced into marriage.
The play also makes the case that fate or free will does not entirely bind the significant characters. Romeo exclaims, "I defy you, stars!" in Act V. He suggests he can withstand fate and take control. Romeo and Juliet's forbidden love results from rival families, further showing that other factors, such as love, may impact their destiny.
Others would argue that the decisions made by the protagonists lacked moral agency because they were predetermined by fate. For instance, the events start when Romeo does not receive the letter Friar Laurence sends him in Act III about Juliet pretending to be dead. This implies that the protagonists have little control over their lives, despite their best