Consider Some of the Reasons why the Love of Romeo and Juliet was Fated to have a Tragic Conclusion

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Consider Some of the Reasons why the Love of Romeo and Juliet was Fated to have a Tragic Conclusion

Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” leads up to the two lovers dying as they believe that they are alone. Throughout the play, there are many signs of the impending fortune both in terms of the series of events that end in death and showing that fate was always against them, even before they met.

Many words and phrases suggest the destiny of the two lovers. In the prologue, Romeo and Juliet are described as ‘star-crossed lovers’ meaning that before they have even met, their destiny is set and they are already doomed.

The vendetta between the Capulet and Montague households is many generations old and by the year in which the play is set, the families’ children are taught to hate each other since the moment they are born. Romeo and Juliet did not start the vendetta nor were alive when the feud began, and so they cannot take blame for it, or technically their love. Though this may be the case, the two lovers do not help matters by repeatedly meeting each other. Juliet claims that she does not care that Romeo is a Montague, saying in Act II that “A rose by any other word would smell as sweet.” This implies that it does not matter that the two are from opposing houses, but that their love will conquer the vendetta.

When the servant is telling Romeo of the Capulet’s party and asks whether Romeo can read, Romeo says that his “own fortune in his misery”. This could be referenced as Romeo confirming that he can read and so is able to choose his destiny by being able to read. However, it can also be seen as another reference to the fact that his love, something seen as good and pure, will be the cause of his death, something seen as bad and mournful.

Before Romeo meets Juliet; he is brooding about his unreturned love for Rosaline. This would mean that when he meets someone who loves him back, he is likely to go to extremes to stay with that girl. This is referenced when, before Romeo meets Juliet at the party, Montague says that Romeo’s mood is ‘black and portentous’. The use of the word ‘portentous’ means that his mood is ominous and therefore he is not only fated, but is likely to do stupid things.

When we first meet Juliet, her mother, Lady Capulet, asks her if she will consent to marry the County Paris. Although, the Nurse and her mother believe it is the best thing for her, with the nurse describing him as a “man of wax”, however Juliet is not sure and diplomatically says that she’ll “look to like, if looking liking move”. This means that she will try to like him, but if she does not then she will not marry him. This makes a tragic ending more likely as it shows Juliet is not easily influenced by her parents and will act against their wishes.

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One main scene in Romeo and Juliet that shows their fate is Act I, Scene V. This is the scene in which the Capulet’s party takes place and Romeo and Juliet first meet. When they first meet, Romeo struggles to find words to describe Juliet as love has such a powerful effect on him. He eventually decides on comparing her to an earring full of jewels, and is too valuable and precious to use. This shows that there could be a tragic conclusion in store for the couple as the love between them is so powerful that it makes them ...

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