Fate’s Desire or Unfortunate Commitment

The classic quote, “From forth the fatal loins of these two foes, a pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life;” is from the famous Shakespearian play “Romeo and Juliet” connecting the couple’s devastating conclusion to their destiny (Shakespeare Prologue 5-8). This Shakespearian play is a tale of a longstanding family feud along with forbidden, unabiding love. Romeo and Juliet both take their own lives as a consequence of their family rivalry. Many people know the tragic outcome of the two soulmates, yet only a few know the reasons behind it. Romeo and Juliet both play a part in their catastrophic aftermath whether it was due to fate or poor decision.

Fate is characterized as the advancement of events beyond a person’s control, viewed as controlled by an extraordinary force. In Act 1 Scene 5, Romeo and Juliet meet for the first time at Capulet’s party. Some could argue that this interaction was based solely on choice, nevertheless, I believe that a mysterious power led Romeo’s gaze towards the astonishing beauty of Juliet. Romeo demonstrates his recognition of her when he says “O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night / As a rich jewel in an Ethiop’s ear- (Shakespeare 1.5.42-44).” Romeo’s acknowledgment of Juliet is a series of compliments comparing her to unique objects or actions. Romeo was not planning on spending the evening with Juliet it just happened. Romeo speaks of his plans for the party by saying “I’ll go along, no such sight to be shown, But to rejoice in splendour of my own (Shakespeare 1.2.101-102).” He was just going to stare at Rosaline because he claims that her beauty is most present compared to anyone else at the ball. If Romeo never noticed Juliet at the Capulet party due to their destiny, then the devastating reality of their lives would have never happened and Juliet would have married Paris. All in all, Romeo and Juliets’ fate played a huge role in their unforgettable story.

After fate, there are only decisions. There are numerous occasions where a character makes an unfavorable selection in their lives. In turn, their choice affects others around them such as Romeo and Juliet. One principal decision made by Romeo and Juliet was marrying after only knowing each other for a day. Juliet proposes by saying “ If that thy bent of love be honourable, Thy purpose marriage, send me word to-morrow (2.2.143-144).” Juliet has just met Romeo and is already asking to marry him. This decision led to the actual marriage which connected to both their deaths. Juliet states “O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo? (Shakespeare 2.2.33).” Juliet is as of now mindful that this will be an obstruction to their adoration yet she, despite everything, picks him as her better half. The family rivalry could not contain the couples’ love or from marrying each other. If Juliet had not chosen to marry Romeo than they probably would not have killed themselves for one another. The decision to marry one another was a factor in their horrible deaths.

In Act three, Tybalt or Juliet’s cousin challenges Romeo in a dual because Romeo previously attended Capulet’s ball uninvited. However, Mercutio ended up dying in a fight with Tybalt because of his eternal competition with him and Romeo’s inability to do so. Romeo was enraged at this outcome and decided to fight Tybalt in order to defend Mercutio’s life. Romeo states his rath by saying “Alive in triumph and Mercutio slain! Away to heaven respective lenity, (Shakespeare 3.1.120-121).” Even though Romeo has a relative duty to Tybalt he rejects these ideas in honor of Mercutio’s death. This decision to fight and kill Tybalt led to his exile which in result guided Juliet’s death-like trance. If Romeo would have left Tybalt alone and did not kill him than he probably never would have gotten banished and he and Juliet could have lived a happy life in secret. Therefore, his determination to end Tybalt’s life was also a contributing factor to their ending.

Overall, the combination of destiny and fate along with decisions all play a role in Romeo and Juliets cathartic history. Every single decision made by every character affected their story. It is a classic example of a domino effect. One choice leads to another. If one decision is changed the whole storyline shifts as a result. Fate plays a part in life, but decisions are what matter.

Cite this page