Fate in Romeo and Juliet

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“Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona (where we lay our scene)”

‘Romeo and Juliet’ takes place in Verona, Northern Italy. The city is divided by civil war between two noble families, the Capulets and the Montagues. The feud is an old one, from ‘ancient grudge to new mutiny’. The cause of this ‘ancient grudge’ is not known; there seems no solution and just pure hate. Then out of this hate comes a ‘pair of star-crossed lovers’ to ‘take their lives.’

This tragedy of Romeo and Juliet seems unstoppable right from the start. Throughout the play the audience watches that ‘fearful passage of their death-mark’d love’. But who was responsible for the tragedy of the two lovers? Or was it just inevitable fate?

From the very beginning of the play the pure hatred between the two families and all those involved is visible. Fighting between the two groups is a common thing, even the prince of Verona himself is unable to find anyway of stopping the hatred in his city. Then out of this hatred Romeo and Juliet meet and fall in love. The twists and turns of their objectionable affair throughout the play lead up to killing. But who is responsible for the horrific death of the ‘star crossed lovers’? Different characters all play a part in the death. This essay will analyse the key areas of the play and the effect they have on the final outcome of the play.

Romeo and Juliet meet at Capulet’s party, Romeo bowled over by the beauty of Juliet approaches her to dance. They talk romantically to each other almost as if they truly were in ‘love at first sight.’

After departing they both realise their ‘true loves’ identity.

“My only love sprung from my only hate”

Juliet tells her nurse and ‘mother-type figure’ of her immediate devotion for Romeo. The nurse urges Juliet to forget about Romeo, she clearly disapproves of their affair. However, not much later Romeo and Juliet meet again.

Impulsive Romeo sneaks into Juliet’s orchard later that night. He is desperate to see Juliet again despite the fact that she is a Capulet and his strongest enemy. Romeo is taunted by his friends for his ‘ladies man’ attitude. He is a hopeless romantic and often infatuates about different women. However, after his brief encounter with Juliet he is sure that she is the one and is determined to meet her again. He is irresponsible in his carelessness by sneaking into the Capulet’s grounds, he does not think of the consequences. Yet, this shows his desperation, the love he feels for Juliet and his determination to be with her.

“It is my lady, O it is my love”

Romeo sees Juliet and immediately declares his love for her, he speaks in love poetry. Juliet comes out onto her balcony soon after, mixed with excitement and fright of her love for Romeo. She speaks of her love for Romeo, believing she is alone. Juliet despite finding that ‘dear perfection’ in Romeo she knows all to well that she is the only son of her greatest enemy.

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“Romeo, O Romeo, deny thy father and refuse thy name; Or if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, and I’ll no longer be a Capulet.”

Juliet already declares her outstanding love for Romeo, and speaks so strongly that it is unmistakable and her feelings are honest.

At the realisation of Romeo hearing Juliet’s words they speak openly about their feelings for each other. Suddenly their speeches are interrupted by Juliet’s nurse, the lovers are drawn back from the almost isolation of their love and back into the real world. After the interruption Juliet makes a proposal;

“Thy ...

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