People unknowingly influence fate and destiny through their decisions. This theme is evident in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, where the tragic outcome for both couples was already destined once they fall in love. Their fate is shaped by their actions and those of other characters in the play. Their present actions determine the future, ultimately influencing fate. Foreshadowing in the play hints at Romeo and Juliet’s inevitable death, highlighting their predestined tragedy. This leads to a series of unfortunate events for the couple, ending in their tragic demise. This domino effect is backed by the passage of time, creating a chain of events. While individuals can influence fate, they cannot control its consequences. Argument 1: Time plays …show more content…
Their hasty decision to marry sets off a chain of events leading to their tragic death. Friar Lawrence warns them about the potential repercussions of their secret marriage, as he says “These violent delights have violent ends And in their triumph die, like fire and powder” (II.vi.9). He warns the newlyweds that their love might bring unforeseen consequences. This later happens in the story as their marriage leaves them entangled in a difficult situation. This would then follow another example. After Tybalt challenges Romeo to a duel, Romeo denies his request and because of this, Mercutio fights for him instead to protect his honor. He later dies from Tybalt and because of this, Romeo kills Tybalt for revenge. He later realizes the mistake of his impulsive action, saying “Oh I am fortune’s fool!” (citation). This further complicates the love between Romeo and Juliet and their situation as a consequence of his actions. This series of accidents would steer their fate. This is known as the Domino Effect, which sets all the events in the play in motion. Small insignificant moments would follow their tragic deaths after a series of unfortunate accidents lined up perfectly. This would be said by Friar Lawrence after Romeo’s death, saying “A greater power than we can contradict Hath thwarted our intents” (V.iii.158). He states that a greater force has disrupted their plans, therefore acknowledging the power and destructiveness of