Free Will In Romeo And Juliet

The world famous “The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare, is acknowledged as one of literature's most iconic plays ever written. The play explores the intense and passionate love between two young people from rival families, the Montagues and the Capulets. Despite their families' hatred for one another, Romeo and Juliet's love is so strong that they risk everything to be together. At first, Romeo believes that everything is predetermined by fate. However, as the play progresses, Romeo's thoughts about fate stray from his original perspective and he begins believing in the power of choice. This concludes the fact that Romeo used to believe that your destiny was set in stone but now believes you can alter your destiny based on

In the play, Romeo starts off believing in unavoidable destiny. This is shown in the text when Romeo says “I fear too early, for my mind misgives;Some consequence, yet hanging in the stars,Shall bitterly begin “(Shakespeare Act I, Scene IV, lines 112-115) In context, he was just invited to attend the Capulet’s masquerade. And since he is a Montague, their families are bitter rivals.Romeo is also hesitant since he had just broken up with Rosaline.Which had caused him to become depressed and lock himself inside his room. Though Mercutio, his friend, convinces Romeo to go to the masquerade. This quote shows that Romeo currently believes in fate for “the stars” is directly correlated to fate. He is saying that if he goes to the Masquerade, something bound by fate will be bitterly set into motion. Though, over time, after meeting Juliet, Romeo slowly starts to believe that not everything is predetermined by fate and instead, he can control his own

This is demonstrated when Romeo says “With love's light wings did I o'erperch these walls, for stony limits cannot hold love out”(Shakespeare Act II, Scene II, lines 71-72) In context, Romeo had just arrived at Juliet's house and was wondering how he got over the walled garden. In response he says that he got over with “love's light wings” The quote illustrates that with the power of love, Romeo grows wings that allow him to overcome any barrier. This is a metaphor portraying how with love, they can overcome any obstacle. For this instance, their families. In addition, Juliet further says “If they do see thee, they will murder thee”(Shakespeare Act II, Scene II, line 75) This shows how the power of love can inspire us to take risks and make sacrifices, even when the consequences are dire.Another example showing the power of love is when Juliet says “O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name, Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, And I’ll no longer be a Capulet.”(Shakespeare Act II, Scene II, lines 36-39) This signifies that Juliet is willing to refuse her fathers proposals of an arranged marriage and even go to the extent of defying her family name. All she asks for is for him to swear that he loves her and she will “no longer be a capulet” For context, this occurred when Romeo went to Juliet's house. He gives her a speech