In Act 3, Scene 1 of Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet, Romeo cries, “Oh I am Fortune’s fool!”. Highlighted in this quote is the belief that Romeo’s tragic circumstances are a result of fate. However, while societal currents influence the decisions of an individual, it is primarily those decisions made by the individual that determine consequence. Through the examination of personal agency, decision-making, and responsibility and its interaction with societal influence exemplified in the play, Romeo’s perception of being “Fortune’s fool” is invalidated. Society plays a role in personal agency, overall influencing an individual’s choice. During Shakespeare’s renowned balcony scene, Juliet states, “Deny thy father and refuse thy name”. …show more content…
Prior to the Capulet feast, Romeo gets a bad feeling about going. He says, “I fear too early, for my mind misgives Some consequence yet hanging in the stars”. This quote uses a metaphor of “the stars” as a symbol of fate or destiny, however, it also mentions a possible consequence of going to the opposing family’s feast. While this quote mentions an aspect of fate within the play, Romeo still ultimately makes the choice to go to the feast even after considering there being a consequence. Following Romeo seeing Juliet in Act 2 Scene 2, he goes to see Friar Lawrence discussing his marriage. Friar Lawrence warns Romeo “Wisely and slow. They stumble that run fast.” Shakespeare’s use of a metaphor in “they stumble that run fast” meaning those that rush end up making mistakes and the use of antithesis in “slow” and “fast” evokes Romeo’s impulsive nature. This relates to Romeo’s decisions and actions in hastily marrying Juliet, also meaning that it foreshadows the tragic end of the play. Following Mercutio’s death, Romeo spots Tybalt returning and says, “Alive in triumph - and Mercutio slain!” Shakespeare’s use of contrast in Tybalt’s and Mercutio’s status evokes the anger felt by Romeo. This is what ultimately leads to his pivotal character point in slaying Tybalt. To reiterate, Romeo could have made the choice to not kill Tybalt, meaning the ongoing domino effect would not have occurred. Instead, it was the choice he made that led to the tragic events. Upon discovering Juliet laying lifeless in the Capulet tomb, Romeo speaks “Thy drugs are quick. Thus with a kiss I die.” This choice was made by Romeo and further demonstrates his impulsive nature. If he had not so hastily done this action, he would have found Juliet to be alive. Therefore, Romeo decided his own consequence. Furthermore, it is personal agency and decisions that shape