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Fate Is Responsible For The Deaths In Romeo And Juliet Analysis

Decent Essays

Fate is responsible for the deaths of the lovers. Discuss
In the play of ‘Romeo and Juliet’, William Shakespeare explores the idea of fate, through the characters experiences. The play was taken place during the Elizabethan Era where the social norms were completely different to those today and the idea of fate was well and truly believed by the society. Shakespeare incorporates this concept of fate in different ways, he makes references to celestial bodies, employs premonitions and orchestrates events where Romeo and Juliet have no prior knowledge off. He introduces the two young lovers as ‘star-crossed’, which means their relationship is destined to end in tragedy and this is supported by events that occur in the play. Specific events …show more content…

If Capulet had sent a literate servant he would know that Romeo is a Montague and would not bother talking to him. Additionally, Romeo feels these premonitions just before he enters the party. He says “there is some consequence, yet hanging in the stars”, which means that he feels some bad is going to happen to him, an untimely death. Despite this he decides to go the party in which he meets Juliet. Overall, the destined events that occur prior to Romeo meeting Juliet are responsible for their tragic deaths.
Secondly, the ‘ancient grudge’ between the two household is an aspect of fate that can be deemed responsible for the lovers’ deaths. Shakespeare describes the feud between the Montagues and Capulets as ancient, meaning it has been going on for a very long time. Consequently, there were ongoing brawls occurring in the streets of Verona and as a result of this feud many characters are driven to extreme behaviours, including Tybalt and Mercutio. If this ancient grudge had not existed then there would be no reason for them to have a duel, however, as it did exist they had no other choice. Tybalt is furious that Romeo, a Montague, had come into the Capulet household and wanted to take action. He decided to duel with Romeo but as he didn’t want to Mercutio accepted the offer. This specific duel between Tybalt and Mercutio was the undoing of the lovers’ lives. After Tybalt had killed Mercutio, Romeo felt pity and sought revenge and ended up killing Tybalt

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