Romeo & Juliet: Role of Fate.

Essay by honda_riderHigh School, 10th gradeA-, June 2004

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The whole play of Romeo and Juliet is based on fate. Fate controls everything that happens and is beyond anyone's control. The concept of fate is first introduced in the prologue, when Romeo and Juliet are referred to as 'star-cross'd lovers'. This suggests that Romeo and Juliet are destined to be together. The whole quote says " A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life", so the outcome of the play is already known.

"A pair of star cross'd lovers take their life."- prologue

Back in the time when this play was written they believed in fate and the stars, and that their actions were usually controlled by them. For example, Romeo says "Some consequence yet hanging in the stars" and "By some vile forfeit of untimely death. But he that hath the steerage over my course direct my sail!" He is basically saying that he had a dream, which leads him to believe that he will die young because of something in the stars, something that will happen.

At the end he says "...he that hath steerage over my course..." which implies that he does not have control over his life and looks to another power above himself to direct him.

"Some consequence yet hanging in the stars... by some vile forfeit of untimely death. But he hath the steerage over my course direct my sail!"- 1/4/107, 111, 112 & 113.

Romeo thought he was in love with Rosaline but she did not return these feelings. When Romeo reads the invitation list to a party that the Capulet's were throwing, he sees the name Rosaline on it. That was the reason Romeo actually went to the party. This sets up everything for Romeo and Juliet. They meet at the party and fall in love. However, later they both...