Fate And Free Will In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

In life, there are many situations that exhibit fate or free will. An example of free will is Donald Trump’s decision to exit the Paris Agreement. According to Trump, the deal would cause energy prices to rise and decrease jobs available. Considering the fact that the United States have the second largest carbon footprint, it is likely Trump’s decision will have a negative impact on the environment. Another example that demonstrates fate and free will is from Shakespeare’s famous play, Romeo and Juliet. The tragedy begins with Romeo attending a party, meeting Juliet, and marrying her with the help of Friar Laurence. A few days later, Romeo kills Tybalt, resulting in Romeo’s banishment. Soon after, Juliet’s parents decide to arrange her marriage

At the beginning of the play, Mercutio suggests they go to the Capulet’s party to overcome Romeo’s infatuation with Rosaline, and Romeo responds with, “I’ll go along, no such sight to be shown,” (1.2.104) This proves it was his choice to go to the party that resulted in Romeo and Juliet’s meeting. If he did not go to the party, he would not have met Juliet, hence, neither of them would have died considering majority of the events in the tragedy was a result of their tryst. On top of that, when the play was approaching its conclusion, Romeo hears of Juliet’s death, buys poison from an apothecary, and says, “Come, cordial, and not poison, go with me To Juliet’s grave, for there must I use thee.” (5.1.88-89) By doing this, Romeo demonstrates free will because he chose to kill himself by drinking poison instead of moving on. If he had talked to Friar Laurence before making rash decisions, neither of them would have died owing to the fact that the plan would have been successful. To sum up, the outcome of the play was a result of free will because Romeo chose to attend the party thrown by the Capulets and kill himself when he hears of Juliet’s