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William Shakespeare 's Romeo And Juliet

Decent Essays

In Shakespeare 's Romeo and Juliet, these "two star-cross 'd lovers” have a “fate” that they construct for themselves. The decisions that Romeo and Juliet make are what leads them to their death, rather than the widely accepted idea that they die because of inevitable and predetermined fate. Everyone is aware of what is going to happen to Romeo and Juliet and even they themselves seem to sense their approaching death, but continue their efforts to be together anyway. Shakespeare 's’ play begins with stating that “a pair of starr-crossed lovers take their life” and have a “death-mark’d love” (Prologue, 6-11). Romeo and Juliet’s inability to be together is explained at the very beginning of the play and makes the audience aware of the two lovers’ end, which they bring upon themselves. Romeo and Juliet’s death happens because of their own actions and they lead themselves to it instead of trying to avoid it. Romeo is especially seen as unfortunate in this play, but this does not thwart his plans to be with Juliet. Romeo foreshadows his misfortunes before meeting Juliet when he mentions that “some consequence yet hanging in the stars/ Shall bitterly begin his fearful date…” and that his life will be ended “…by some vile forfeit of untimely death” ( I. iv. 107-114). Disregarding this foreboding, Romeo continues on his course anyway. He is creating his own fate by disregarding his feeling about his night having consequences. He senses danger but continues

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