Romeo and Juliet as a tragedy of fate.

Shakespeare himself makes clear his intent to write a play based on the destiny of the lovers.  In the very prologue, he makes reference to the fact that the play is guided by destiny in referring to Romeo and Juliet as “star-cross’d lovers”.  During Medieval times, astrology was an important indication of the future; men’s lives were “written in the stars”.  In many other places does Shakespeare suggest fate to be the mover of the plot.  Romeo, before attending the Capulet masque, has a vague premonition of the actions of fate.

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, and expire the term

Of a despised life closed in my breast

By some vile forfeit of untimely death

But he that hath the steerage of my course

Direct my sail….

[I. iv. 113-120]

In Romeo’s eloquent statement, Shakespeare clearly indicates that fate will steer the lovers’ course.  Romeo again calls upon the element of destiny at the realization of what Tybalt’s death encompasses.

Oh, I am Fortune’s fool!

[III.i.142]

And again when he learns of Juliet’s supposed death.

Is it e’en so? – Then I defy you, stars! –  

[V.i. 25]

Another omen through which Shakespeare propagates his central theme of the inevitability of fate is the recurrence of dreams.  Mercutio first denounces their meaning in his now famous “Queen Mab” speech.  However, with his death, Romeo’s dreams are no longer counterbalanced by Mercutio’s jest.

I dreamt my lady came and found me dead

(Strange dream that gives a dead man leave to think!)

[V. i. 6-8]

Finally, both Friar Laurence and Prince Escalus, the play’s most introspective characters, confirm that it is some higher power (God and fate can be used interchangeably in this discussion) that has directed the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.

Friar Lawrence

A greater power than we can contradict

Hath thwarted our intents….

[V. iii. 153-154]

Prince Escalus

See what a scourge is laid upon your hate

That heaven finds means to kill your joys with love

[V. iii. 302-303]

It is clear that Shakespeare intended this tragedy to be one directed by the motive of fate, and states it clearly within the play.

It has been argued that some particular flaw of character or error in judgement is at fault, for surely, had that particular event not taken place, the tragedy would have been averted altogether.  Such a blame can be lain on any of a multitude of major and minor characters.  In truth, there is no character, no single mistake that drives the tragedy, but the work of fate in arranging all of these minor coincidences into a coherent sequence.  With every twist in the plot brought about by fate, the characters of the play react to their changing situation.  Balthazar and Friar Laurence work at cross purposes through their common love for Romeo, and together bring about his downfall.  Yet it is fate who pits their good intentions against one another, not a flaw in reasoning or character.  Fault lies not with Friar Laurence for his haste, Friar John for his lack of perseverance, Romeo for his infatuation, or even the servant for his illiteracy.  Fate, and not flaw in character, directs the tragedy.

Fate mans the helm of the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.  Through a series of related coincidences, fate steers the course of the play.  Each event brought about by chance contributes to the eventual outcome, and to the eventual reconciliation of the feuding families.  In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare clearly states the central role of fate as the driving force behind the movement of the plot.  Finally, through no single character can it be said that the tragedy is brought about.  Fate works her will through the acts of a number of characters, on whom none can be laid blame.  Fickle fate, love and bane of men, rules the storyline of Shakespeare’s most well-loved tragedy.