Romeo and Juliet

        Another significant contribution of bad luck was the timing of events. The timing of Tybalt’s fight with Mercutio was bad luck. Of all the times they could have fought, they choose to fight after Romeo and Juliet’s marriage. As Mercution dies, Romeo kills Tybalt. Romeo says, “O, I am Fortune’s fool.” (Romeo and Juliet, pg. 62). By saying this, he tells us that he know this situation will separate him from Juliet, whether it be physically or spiritually (through death). “Ha, banishment! Be merciful, say ‘death’.” (Romeo and Juliet, pg. 69). Romeo already cannot stand the thought of leaving Juliet. Also, the waking of Juliet and the death of Romeo was bad timing. When Balthasar came to Mantua with the news of Juliet’s death, Romeo did not know that Juliet’s death was feigned. So, he bought a fatal potion. By the time Romeo buys this potion, he is fully prepared to die. “To Juliet’s grave, for there I must use thee.” (Romeo and Juliet, pg.102). Also, not long after Romeo dies, Juliet wakes up from her sleep. Seeing her newly-wed husband dead, Juliet takes Romeo’s dagger and kills herself. “This is thy sheath; there rust, and let me die.” (Romeo and Juliet, pg. 109). If Juliet woke up a little earlier or if Romeo arrived at the Capulet’s tomb a little later, both of their deaths could have been avoided. The purpose of this marriage was “To turn your households’ rancour to pure love.” (Romeo and Juliet, pg.43). IF the timing in some events were better, the lovers would still be alive.

        The last element that contributed to the end of these lovers is fate. The family that Juliet was born into was the Capulets. Their rivaling family, the Montagues, was the family that Romeo was born into. “O dear account! My life is my foe’s debt.” (Romeo and Juliet, pg. 29). Romeo first meets Juliet in a party the Capulets held, and a fight is avoided by Tybalt being under Capulet’s orders. In the balcony scene, Juliet says,”Deny thy father and refuse thy name.” (Romeo and Juliet, pg.34). Both Romeo and Juliet wish that they could both be rid of their families’ names. Also, the parents of Juliet controlled her life. “She shall be married to this noble earl.” (Romeo and Juliet, pg.75). Juliet had no say in this marriage. “Henceforward I am ever rul’d by you.” (Romeo and Juliet, pg.89), like stars rule over her fate. Yet it is this very marriage that cost Romeo, Juliet and Paris their lives.

        Basically the end of love and life for both Romeo and Juliet was both the contribution of bad luck and destiny. This pair of lovers, born of rivaling families, paid the cost for the love later established by both the Capulets and the Montagues.