Free Will In Shakespeare's Romeo And Juliet

The Renaissance was a time period in which writing thrived. William Shakespeare, an English playwright, produced a masterpiece in 1597, that is still read around the world today. Romeo and Juliet is a play that involves two young external lovers whose tragic deaths reconciled two feuding families. A secret which showcased how true love can conquer all, the choices of both characters determined the young couple’s destiny. The deaths of Romeo and Juliet were instrumental factors of free will.
First and foremost, the tragic death by suicide of Romeo Montague was free willed. Upon reading the list of who was attending the Capulet party, Romeo foreshadows his future in a nightmare, but uses his free will to counter it. Romeo decides to attend the

To begin with, knowing Romeo was a Montague, she continued to fall in love with him and accepted his proposal. “If that thy bent of love be honorable,/ Thy purpose marriage, send me word tomorrow” (2.2.150-151). Knowing the hostile family history and the potential chaos she can get herself into, doesn't stop Juliet from accepting Romeos proposal. This action led to the major events that took place in the play. Juliet diminishes the fact that Romeo is a Montague and falls in love with him anyway. This is free will because she was hesitant at first thinking they were moving too fast, but she knew how much he loved her so she agreed. This marriage was filled with loyalty, love, and romance that lasted till the very end. Also, ensuing Tybalt’s tragic death, Romeo was anxious upon hearing what Juliet thought of the situation. She assured him that she still loved him. “Give this ring to my true knight/ And bid him come to take his last farewell” (3.3.155-156). Being able to grasp the death of a loved one while also being informed that your husband killed him can be a very overwhelming time. Juliet, at such a young point in her life acted in a very mature manner. She knew loyalty came first and gave Romeo the benefit of the doubt. Given that he was banned from Verona, there was limited communication, therefore she sent the Nurse to give him the ring. When the Nurse went to see Romeo, he was contemplating suicide, upon receiving Juliet's ring gave him the motivation to strive and push through. This reassurance allowed their love to move forward which shaped their destiny. Adding on, after Capulet scheduled Juliet to marry Paris, she was unaware of what to do. This led her to seek help from others. Juliet goes to Friar Lawrence for advice about the marriage, she tells him if he cannot help her she'll kill herself (4.1). Juliet was put into a very difficult situation once told she had