Inevitability Of Fate In Romeo And Juliet

As opposed to being particularly explorative of fate in a theistic sense, debatably the narrative of Romeo and Juliet is more demonstrative of the, ultimately destructive, convergence of societal idealism and pressures and the strength and fervour of adolescent longing and romance. Therefore, as an immensely prevalent societal force, fatalistic theology is drawn upon, but in a compellingly reflective and critical - rather than an overt or forceful way. Shakespeare critiques a society that values ambiguous and uncompromisable regulations in order to maintain control, at the expense of nonconformists.

The prologue is explicitly indicative of predetermination, in that it conveys a sense of inevitability to the audience. However the narrative’s

Arguments for fate influencing the resolution of the play are compromised primarily of the fact that the text is referential to fate-associated “stars”, and the seemingly coincidental nature of key narrative events. The rhyming, sonnet form of the prologue could elucidate a predetermined and controlled sense to the events outlined. This is further enhanced by the measured rhythm, only deviated from at points of high suspense in order to emphasise - with words such as ‘misadventured’ and ‘star cross’d’ interrupting the otherwise regular iambic pentameter. This could be seen as symbolic - with the iambic rhythm mimicking that of a heartbeat - connoting love, being obstructed by the ‘star cross’d’ nature of the romance. However, while fairly convincing, an alternate reading of societal norms clashing with instinct is perhaps more compelling and revealing as to the Elizabethan values held during the era, and again both could be at

The original play is more of a cautionary tale, wherein Juliet is portrayed as wanton and subsequently reviled. In contrast, Shakespeare’s Juliet is young, innocent and treated with sensitivity, described as “the hopeful lady of my earth” and “the sun” - evoking empathy in a profoundly misogynistic contemporary audience despite her display of sexuality. This presentation, and development suggests a criticism of an unsympathetic society abhorring natural desires, and the disparagement between them and forced societal