“Give me my Romeo; and when I shall die, Take him and cut him out in little stars, And he will make the face of heaven so fine That all the world will be in love with night And pay no worship to the garish sun” (Shakespeare 3.2.21). Many have pondered the question of fate or chance in The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. This quote, spoken by Juliet, strengthens the persisting idea of fate that creates this everlasting story. Near the beginning of the story, Romeo and his friends manage to sneak into a Capulet party. Before they enter the party, Romeo stops to speak about the night. “I fear, too early; for my mind misgives Some consequence yet hanging in the stars Shall bitterly begin his fearful date With this night’s revels …show more content…
When Tybalt and Mercutio begin to duel, Romeo throws himself between them. Because of this, Tybalt has time to slip his sword into the side of Mercutio and stab him. After he has been wounded, Mercutio wails, “A plague on both your houses! I am sped. Is he gone and hath nothing?” (Shakespeare 3.1.87-88) Through this quote, Mercutio foreshadows the fate of Romeo and Juliet. Each house will lose a child and go through grief. This would resemble a sort of “plague”. Romeo also provides evidence during this scene. After Romeo finds out that his beloved friend, Mercutio, has died, he attacks Tybalt in an effort to avenge him. Just before Romeo ambushes Tybalt, he bellows, “This day’s black fate on moe days doth depend; This but begins the woe others must end '' (Shakespeare 3.1.117-118). He states that this suffering shall be ended by many more people. This hints to the death of the star-crossed lovers. Almost all of the problems begin through the killing of Mercutio by Tybalt, and the killing of Tybalt by Romeo. It ends through the death of Romeo and Juliet. It also foretells the suffering of the families. Finally, fate is indicated when Romeo is informed about Juliet’s “death” by his servant, Balthasar. “Is it e’en so? Then I defy you, stars!” (Shakespeare 5.1.24) Romeo is saying that he is defying his fate to be with his love, Juliet. The stars act as a metaphor for destiny. During that