Theme Of Free Will In Romeo And Juliet

In Romeo and Juliet, a play written by William Shakespeare in 1595, has a common theme of Free Will vs. Fate throughout the play. We see it in Act I, III, and IV of the play. It doesn’t just happen between the two main characters of Romeo and Juliet; but also Paris, the man intended to marry Juliet, Lord and Lady Capulet, and Friar Lawrence. The first clear portrayal of this theme is in Act I Scene II, when Lord Capulet is talking to Paris of marrying Juliet. This is the first time we hear of Juliet losing her free will. “Let two more summers wither in their pride/Ere we may think she to be ripe for a bride. (I.II, 10-11)” Here Juliet’s father is telling Paris that he wishes to wait to marry her off to him, because she is too young. In return Paris responds by saying, “Younger than she are happy mothers made. (I.II, 12)” Paris is telling Lord Capulet that younger girls often marry and become happy mothers. He wishes to marry Juliet sooner rather than later. The second clear appearance of this theme is in Act III Scene IV,

Juliet has just found out that Romeo has been banished and her Nurse told her that is would be best for her to just marry Paris. Juliet seeks condolence with Friar Lawrence, but while doing this she states she is just better off dead. “Be not so long to speak. I long to die/If what thou speak’st speak not of remedy. (IV.I, 67-68)” Juliet is telling Friar Lawrence that if he takes too long to speak that the only solution for her dilemma is death. Here Juliet is exercising her free will to kill herself, instead of marrying Paris which is her fate. So the Friar devises a plan to reunite her with Romeo and gives her a vial of liquid to make it seem as if she is dead. Juliet rejoices by telling the Friar, “Love give me strength, and strength shall help afford. /Farewell, dear Father. (IV.I 126-127)” Juliet is asking for strength to get through this moment in her