Fate In Romeo And Juliet

In Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare uses different themes to develop a tragic love story between two star crossed lovers. He consistently uses the theme of fate as the driving force for the events that occur in the play. It also yields is power, mercilessly, over the actions of the characters; actions which will lead to the deaths of Romeo and Juliet. Fate shows itself through the conflict, love, and death in this tragic play. First, fate is used to contribute to the conflict between the two infamous houses in Verona. “What, drawn, and talk of peace? I hate the word, As I hate hell, all Montagues, and thee” (I.i 60-61). Tybalt says this to a Montague at the beginning of play; he provides no evidence suggesting the cause of his hatred

“At this same ancient feast of Capulet’s Sups the fair Rosaline whom thou so loves With all the admired beauties of Verona. Go thither, and with unattainted eye Compare her face with some that I shall show, And I will make thee think thy swan a crow” (I.ii 84-89). At the beginning of the play, fate provides Romeo people who urge his to attend the Capulet’s dinner in hopes of seeing Rosaline, the women he claims to be in love with. His feelings for Rosaline change as soon as he sees the beautiful Juliet. His attendance at the party provokes his initial attraction to Juliet and by chance she feels the same connection after having seen Romeo at the across the room. Later on in the play, Romeo confronts Friar John; here he asks him to marry him and Juliet. Friar John agrees by saying, “But come, young waverer, come, go with me, In one respect I’ll thy assistant be, For this alliance may so happy prove To turn your households' rancor to pure love” (II.iii 89-92). Romeo and Juliet are fortunate to have had an adult who approved of their relationship. Even though Friar Lawrence had different hopes for their marriage, nevertheless, he agreed to marry them. This promotion of Romeo and Juliet’s relationship further grew their love for one another. This shows that, yet again, fate consistently plays a role in the development of Romeo and Juliet’s star crossed