To what degree is Fate responsible for the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet?

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To what degree is Fate responsible for the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet?

I have written this essay to show sufficient evidence that none of the character’s decisions

or coming together was down to fate.  I think that the characters made their own decisions

that led to the eventual suicide of Juliet in Act 5.  I am going use evidence from the text

to support my theory that none of the events leading up to the tragic death of Juliet were

down to fate.

Friar Lawrence contributed to Juliet’s tragedy by giving her the option to drink a potion that would put her to sleep.  However, she could possibly die from the potion, as she didn’t know whether Friar Lawrence was trustworthy, he would have a lot to gain by giving her a deadly potion.  On the other hand, he was Romeo’s friend and would go to great lengths to help him.

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Fate was not responsible for causing Juliet to drink the potion.  This was down to Friar Lawrence and Juliet as she was desperate to be with Romeo.  There is evidence of this when she says “Romeo, Romeo, Romeo! Here’s drink - I drink to thee.” (4.3 Line 58).  Juliet says this after spelling out her fears and doubts about drinking the potion.  She was obviously having serious second thoughts, but it was the thought of Romeo that pulled her through and subconsciously persuaded her to drink the potion.  Friar Lawrence was the trigger for these events, for the idea of ...

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