To what extent does Romeo have free will?

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To what extent does Romeo have free will

Although many audiences have questioned whether the doomed and tragic love

story of Romeo and Juliet is down to fate or by their own free will, I believe there is overwhelming evidence that Romeo's actions were heavily influenced by fate rather than by his choices. This can be seen in the prologue where Shakespeare refers to Romeo and Juliet as "A pair of star crossed lovers", this shows that their relationship is doomed to fail as it goes against the astrological belief of the period that stars ruled over the fates of people. By 'crossing' the stars and defying their predetermined fates Romeo and Juliet incur the wrath of a higher being that ensures Romeo's unlucky and tragic end as depicted later in the play.

Romeo's love for Juliet is fated to death. This can be seen in the prologue where Shakespeare refers to their love as "death mark'd". This insinuates to the audience that their love is doomed, and whatever Romeo does to defy this, it shall not work.

After Mercutio had been attacked by Tybalt, he declares "a' plague a both houses". Mercutio